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CENTENNIAL 


METHODIS 


NORTH-CAROLINA. 


CONTAINING    THE 


HISTORY  AND  ADDRESSES 

delivered  at  the  first  centennial  mass-meeting  cele- 
bration, held  by  order  op  the  north  carolina 
annual  conference,  at  metropolitan  hall, 
in  the  city  op  raleigh,  n.  c,  march 
21st  to  26th,  1876. 


EDITED   BY 

REV.  L.  S.  BURKHEAD,  D.  D., 

PASTOR  OF  EDENTON  STREET  M.  E.  CHURCH,  SOUTH. 


PUBLISHED  IN    BEHALF  OP  THE  METROPOLITAN  M.   E.  CHURCH, 
SOUTH,   RALEIGH,   N.   C. 


RALEIGH : 

JOHN  NICHOLS,   BOOK  AND  JOB  PRINTER. 

1876. 


ENTERED   ACCORDING   TO  ACT   OF   CONGRESS     IN   THE   TEAR   1870,    BY 

L.  8.  BURKHEAD, 

IN   THE    OFFICE   OF   THE  LIBRARIAN  OF  CONGRESS  AT  WASHINGTON. 


DEDICATION. 


TO    ALL    WHO    LOVE 

OUR     LORD     JESUS     CHRIST 

AND  WORTHILY  BEAR  THE  NAME  OP 

METHODIST, 
this  volume  is  affectionately  dedicated  by 

The  Editor. 


CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

Introduction, vn 

Organization, 1 

Address  of  Welcome,  by  Col    "Walter  Clark, 2 

The  Pioneer  Preachers  of  North  Carolina — Their  Strug- 
gles and  Triumphs,  by  Rev.  "W.  M.  Robey, 16 

The  Pioneer  Preachers  of  North  Carolina — Their  Strug- 
gles and  Triumphs,   by  Prof.  W.  C.  Doub, 39 

The  Introduction  and  History  of  Methodism  in  Raleigh, 
North  Carolina,   by  Rev.  A.  W.  Mangum, 76 

The  Influence  of  City  Churches  on  the  Rural  Districts. 
by  Rev.  H.  T.  Hudson, 140 

Historical  Sketch  of  Greensboro  Female  College,  by 
Rev.  Dr.  T.  M.  Jones, 159 

Historical  Sketch  of  Trinity  College,  by  Rev.  Dr.  B. 
Craven, 178 

Historical  Sketch  of  Davenport  Female  College,  by 
Rev.  W.  M.  Robey, 193 

The  Relation  of  Methodism  to  the  Origin  and  Progress 
of  the  Sunday  School  Work,  by  Rev.  E.  A.  Yates,   206 

The  Relation  of  Methodism  to  the  Origin  and  Progress 
of  Bible,  Missionary  and  Tract  Societies,  by  Rev. 
E.  L.  Perkins 230 


VI  CONTENTS. 

Eulogy  on  the  Life  and  Labors  of  Rev.  Peter  Doub,  D.D., 
by  Rev.  M.  L.  Wood, 244 

Methodism — Its    Revival    History,    by   Bishop   E.    M. 
Marvin, 269 

Church  and  State,  by  Hon.  John  N.  Staples, 325 

Points  in  North  Carolina  History, 355 

Resolutions,  by  Rev.  T.  A.  Boone, 356 

Methodism — Its  Itinerant  Plan  of  Operation,   by  Rev. 
W.  S.  Black, 358 

Resolutions  of  Thanks, ........    375 

The  Sunday  School — A  Field  for  the  Employment  of 
the  best  Talent,  by  Rev.  J.  J.  Rknn,  377 

Raleigh  Christian  Advocate  and  Religious  Journalism, 
by  Rev.  Dr.  J.  B.  Bobbitt, 405 


INTRODUCTION, 


In  1874,  Rev.  H.  T.  Hudson  published  an  article  in  the 
Raleigh  Christian  Advocate  calling  attention  to  the  fact  that 
the  "first  circuit  organized  in  North  Carolina  was  in  the 
year  1776,  a  year  immortalized  by  the  memorable  Declara- 
tion of  American  Independence. " 

Early  in  the  year  1875,  Rev.  R.  S.  Webb  published  a 
communication  in  the  same  paper  proposing  to  celebrate  in 
some  suitable  manner  the  centennial  of  North  Carolina 
Methodism. 

Some  time  in  September,  1875,  Rev.  H.  T.  Hudson  called 
special  attention  to  this  subject,  and  urged  it  with  much 
force  on  the  ministers  and  members  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  South,  in  the  bounds  of  the  North  Carolina 
Conference.  In  this  article  a  proposition  was  made  to  raise 
money  for  the  benefit  of  the  three  colleges  of  the  Conference ; 
and  also  to  build  a  Metropolitan  Methodist  Church  in  the 
city  of  Raleigh,  North  Carolina.  The  "key-note"  was  struck, 
and  from  this  time  until  the  annual  conference,  the  subject 
was  agitated  by  the  editors  and  correspondents  of  the  Ral- 
eigh Christian  Advocate  and  spoken  of  favorably  by  the  secu* 
lar  press  of  the  State. 

The  North  Carolina  Annual  Conference  convened  in  the 
city  of  Wilmington,  N.  C,  December  1st,  1875,  and  dur- 
ing the  morning  session  of  the  first  day,  the  following  ac- 
tion was  had,  viz : 

"On  motion  of  Dr.  Burkhead,  the  committee  of  Preside 


VIII 


INTRODUCTION. 


ing  Elders  was  directed  to  nominate  a  committee  to  con- 
sider the  propriety  of  observing  the  Centennial  of  Metho- 
dism in  North  Carolina."  In  pursuance  of  this  action,  the 
following  committee    was    appointed    by  the    Conference, 

viz  : 

' '  CENTENNIAL    COMMITTEE. 


Min  isterial. 

L.    S.    BCEKHEAD, 

J    B.  Bonn itt, 
R.  S.  Webb, 
B.  Craven, 
L.  W.  Crawford, 
II.  T.  Hudson, 
P.  .J.  Caraway, 
I.  T.  Wyche, 
J.  E.  Mann, 
W.  C.  Gannon, 
R,  O.  Burton. 


Lay. 
T.  G.  Whitakee, 
James  Southgate, 
W.  C.  Doub, 
R.  R.  Crawford, 
A.  A.  Scroggs, 
F.  A.  Clarke, 
E.  J.  Lilly, 
J.  W.  McGee, 
R.  T.  Gray, 

W.   F.   KORNEGAY, 

T.  C.  Williams." 


This  committee  met,  and  was  organized  with  Rev.  L.  S. 
Bnrkhead,  D.  D.,  Chairman,  and  Prof.  W.  C.  Doub,  A.  M., 
Secretary.  In  due  time  the  committee  presented  its  report; 
and,  on  Monday,  December  6th,  1875,  after  some  amend- 
ments, the  report  was  adopted,  as  follows,  viz: 

"REPORT    OP    THE    COMMITTEE    ON    THE    CENTENNIAL." 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  subject  of  ob- 
serving the  year  1876  as  the  Centennial  of  the  introduction 
of  Methodism  in  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  report  as  fol- 
lows : 


INTRODUCTION.  IX 

On  the  '21st  day  of  May,  1776,  u  at  a  Conference  held  in 
the  city -of  Baltimore,  a  circuit,  called  "Carolina  Circuit," 
■was  organized,  embracing  an  indefinite  extent  of  territory 
and  allowing  the  preacher  in  charge  large  liberty  for  his  ef- 
forts in  spreading  "Scriptural  holiness"  throughout  this 
hitherto  unoccupied  field.  What  a  wide  expanse  is  here 
presented  for  the  matured  thought  of  the  developed  Meth- 
odism of  1876.  There  was  one  solitary  preacher,*  a  stranger 
to  every  citizen  of  the  State,  belonging  to  a  people  who  wrere 
unknown  to  all  that  dwelt  in  this  vast  extent  of  territory; 
even  the  name  of  the  founder,  under  God,  of  this  form  of 
Christian  faith  and  worship  had  never  penetrated  this  re- 
mote region — all  external  surroundings  were  unpromising— 
and  that  herald  of  the  Cross,  with  his  horse,  saddle-bags, 
Bible  and  hymn-book,  trusting  with  a  firm  and  unwavering 
faith  in  the  God  that  had  redeemed  and  pardoned  him 
through  the  blood  of  his  Sou,  came  pioneering  this  unex- 
plored realm,  and  carrying  the  "glad  tidings"  of  the  per- 
sonal salvation  that  he  experienced  in  his  own  conscious- 
ness, to  those  that  sat  in  "the  region  of  darkness  and  the 
shadow  of  death." 

One  hundred  years,  in  the  Providence  of  God,  have  passed 
away,  and  what  things  do  we  now  behold?  A  great  people 
instinct  with  the  life  and  soul  of  a  glorious  Christian  faith, 
churches,  colleges,  schools  and  seminaries  of  learning  dot- 
ting this  whole  land,  and  the  vitalizing  power  of  Christian- 
ity informed  with  the  energy  of  divine  truth  reaching  into 
and  elevating  all  classes,  conditions  and  forms  of  belief. 


*There  were  three  preachers  sent  to  the  "  Carolina  Circuit,"  from  the 
Baltimore  Conference,  held  May  21st,  1776,  viz:  Edward  Drumgoole,  Fran- 
cis Poythress  and  Isham  Tatum. 


X  INTRODUCTfOtf. 

Three  generations  of  peoples  have  gone  to  their  great  re- 
ward, hundreds  of  Methodist  preachers  are  enjoying  the 
frnitioii  of  that  glorious  hope  they  preached  to  a  dying 
world,  thousands  upon  thousands  of  holy  men  and  women 
have,  with  their  pastors,  joined  the  innumerable  company  of 
the  redeemed,  and  are  to-day  singing  that  grand  anthem 
that  swells  throughout  the  arches  of  glory  and  is  pealing 
onward  through  the  cycles  of  eternity,  and  thousands  more, 
preachers  and  people,  are  hastening  to  join  the  glorious 
throng;  and  still  the  work  goes  on,  widens,  deepens,  en- 
larges and  pierces  the  serried  ranks  of  sins  and  girds  itself 
for  grander  efforts.  Let  us  see  what  a  great  work  has  been 
accomplished,  and  prepare  for  still  greater  triumphs. 

Within  the  bounds  of  the  North  Carolina  Conference  there 
are  one  hundred  and  fifty  pastoral  charges,  manned  by  one 
hundred  and  fifty  effective  soldiers  of  the  Cross.  We  have 
nineteen  superannuated  preachers  that  have  worn  out  their 
frames  in  pushing  on  the  work,  whose  hearts  Warm  within 
them  at  the  triumphs  they  have  witnessed  and  at  the  pros- 
pect of  the  rewards  just  before  them.  Two  hundred  and 
twenty-one  local  preachers  are  in  our  different  fields  of  labor 
assisting  by  their  counsels,  efforts  and  characters,  and  fifty- 
four  thousand  members  fill  up  the  rank  and  file  of  this  grand 
army.  There  are  over  six  hundred  Sunday  schools  full  of 
the  thought  and  power  that  Methodism  has  infused  into  our 
literature — nigh  on  to  four  thousand  teachers  are  drilling 
recruits  for  the  supply  of  the  wasting  powers  of  those  that 
have  "  fought  their  fight  "  and  gone  to  their  reward — and 
this  array  of  leaders  is  followed  on  by  nearly  thirty  thou- 
sand children  of  the  Church,  preparing  to  lift  up  the  wea- 
pons that  have  fallen  from  the  unnerved  grasp  of  those  that 
so  gloriously  wielded  them  for  the  faith.     We  have  three 


INTRODUCTION.  XI 

Conference  colleges — a  college  was  the  cradle  of  Methodism 
— with  property  valued  at  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  thou- 
sand dollars;  fifty-five  parsonages  worth  seventy-six  thou- 
sand dollars,  and  six  hundred  and  sixty  churches  worth  six 
hundred  thousand  dollars.  And  this  is  only  a  sketch  of 
what  is  included  in  the  North  Carolina  Conference,  not  to 
mention  the  vast  interests  in  the  State  of  North  Carolina 
within  the  bounds  of  the  Virginia  and  Holston  Conferences. 
In  view  of  these  facts  and  statistics,  your  committee  deem 
it  interesting  and  proper  to  pause  and  look  back  over  the 
field  where  this  great  conflict  has  been  fought  and  won,  and 
gather  up,  as  far  as  possible,  and  put  into  active  use  for 
other  conflicts,  the  results  of  this  glorious  past,  and  record 
the  labors,  toils  and  triumphs  of  the  blessed  dead.  Your 
committee  therefore  recommend  the  Conference  to  adopt  the 
following  resolutions,  viz : 

Resolved,  That  we  will  celebrate  the  year  1876  us  the  Cen- 
tennial of  North  Carolina  Methodism. 

Resolved,  That  we  hold  in  the  city  of  Raleigh,  com- 
mencing on  the  21st  of  March— a  mass  meeting  of  three  or 
more  days'  continuance — that  appropriate  religious  services 
be  held  and  addresses  be  made  by  such  persons  as  shall  be 
selected  by  a  committee  of  five  (three  preachers  and  two 
laymen)  to  be  appointed  by  this  body,  developing  the  his- 
tory of  the  church,  and  that  one  or  more  of  our  Bishops  be 
invited  to  aid  us  by  their  presence  and  counsels. 

Resolved,  That  the  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Raleigh  dis- 
trict, the  preacher  in  charge  of  the  Edenton  Street  church 
in  Raleigh,  the  senior  editor  of  the  Raleigh  Christian  Advo- 
cate, W.  J.  W.  Crowder  and  W.  J.  Young  be  appointed  a 
committee  to  make  arrangements  for  the  celebration  called 
for  in  the  second  resolution. 


XII  INTRODUCTION". 

Resolved,  That  we  will  labor  to  raise  sixty  thousand  dol- 
lars to  liquidate  the  debts  of  the  three  colleges  of  the  Con- 
ference. 

Resolved,  That  one  whole  month  be  devoted  to  holding' 
religious  centennial  meetings  in  each  pastoral  charge.  That 
each  pastor  be  requested  to  preach  on  the  great  distinctive 
doctrines  and  polity  of  Methodism,  viz  :  the  universality  of 
the  atonement;  justification  by  faith;  regeneration;  the 
witness  of  the  sjririt ;  personal  holiness;  the  itinerancy,  and 
the  necessity  of  our  revival  system — especially  as  develop- 
ing the  history  and  triumphs  of  Methodism  in  this  State 
and  in  the  world — and  that  we  may  thus  interest  all  our 
people,  young  and  old,  in  all  the  enterprises  of  the  church, 
and  heartily  enlist  them  in  aiding  their  development  and 
success. 

Resolved,  That  during  the  month  devoted  to  centennial 
meetings  each  pastor  shall  thoroughly  canvass  his  charge, 
making,  if  possible,  personal  application  to  every  member 
of  his  congregation — to  all  friends  of  education  and  pro- 
gress— for  donations,  for  the  objects  above  stated;  and,  if 
it  be  not  possible  for  the  pastor  to  personally  solicit  all 
within  his  charge,  that  he  be  requested  to  enlist  wise,  pru- 
dent and  active  members  of  his  congregation  to  see  that 
this  whole  matter  be  brought  to  the  attention  of  every  one. 

Resolved,  That  each  Presiding  Elder  shall  designate  the 
month  for  holding  the  centennial  meetings  in  each  of  the 
charges  of  his  district,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  hold  not 
less  than  three  special  mass  meetings  within  the  bounds  of 
his  district  for  the  purpose  of  arousing  the  energies  and 
activities  of  the  church  to  the  importance  of  the  great  ob- 
jects contemplated. 

Resolved,  That  each  Presiding  Elder  shall   be  requested 


INTRODUCTION.  XIII 

to  set  apart  Saturday  of  his  District  Conference  as  a  cen- 
tennial day,  and  that  he  shall  prepare,  or  cause  to  be  pre- 
pared,  a  programme  of  exercises  for  that  occasion,  and  that 
he  shall  have  a  collection  taken  up  for  the  object  named. 

Resolved,  That  Saturday  of  the  next  Annual  Conference 
be  designated  as  the  ''  Conference  Centennial  Day;"  that  a 
suitable  programme  be  arranged  for  that  day  by  a  commit- 
tee appointed  by  this  Conference  for  that  purpose — the 
object  being  to  present  a  summary  of  the  results  of  the 
efforts  of  the  centennial  year,  and  for  general  thanksgiving 
to  Almighty  God  for  His  benedictions  upon  us. 

Resolved,  That  each  donor  be  privileged  to  direct  the 
application  of  his  donations  to  any  one  or  more  of  the  cen- 
tennial objects,  and  that  his  directions  be  faithfully  carried 
out. 

Resolved,  That  the  several  sums  collected  by  the  opera- 
tion of  these  resolutions  be  promptly  transmitted  by  the 
Presiding  Elders  and  preachers  in  charge  to  the  proper 
agents  or  managers  of  the  interests  named. 

Resolved,  That  the  preachers  and  members  of  the  Vir- 
ginia and  Holston  Conferences,  within  the  bounds  of  the 
State  of  North  Carolina,  be  earnestly  invited  to  unite  with 
the  North  Carolina  Conference  in  the  observance  of  this 
centennial  year. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  Bishops  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church,  South,  are  hereby  cordially  invited  and  earn- 
estly entreated  to  be  with  us  at  as  many  points  within  our 
bounds  during  the  year  as  possible,  and  assist  us  by  their 
pi-esence,  efforts  and  Godly  counsels  in  carrying  out  the 
great  purposes  contemplated  in  this  report. 

Whereas,  We  shall  need  more  than  ever  the  medium  of 
the  Raleigh  Christian  Advocate  to  give  wide  publicity  to  the 


XIV  IHTRODUCTICMSr. 

centennial  proceedings,  speeches,  historical   reminiscences., 
£rc,   therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  preachers  be  requested  to  put  forth 
extra  exertions  to  enlarge  the  subscription  list  of  that  paper 
as  early  in  the  year  as  possible,  and  also  during  the  centen- 
nial month.  L.  S.  Burkhead, 

Chairman. 

A.  W.  Mangum  offered  the  following  resolution,  which 
was  adopted  : 

Resolved,  That  if  more  than  sixty  thousand  dollars  shall 
be  raised,  that  the  excess,  to  the  amount  of  twenty-five 
thousand  dollars  shall  be  applied  to  the  building  of  a 
Methodist  Church  in  Raleigh. 

On  motion  of  Prof.  W.  C.  Doub,  it  was  resolved  that  a 
collection  be  taken  at  the  Centennial  at  Raleigh  to  aid  in 
building  the  Metropolitan  Church  in  that  city. 

On  motion  of  J.  P.  Moore,  it  was  resolved  that  the  pastor 
of  Edenton  Street  Church  be  appointed  agent  to  carry  out 
the  resolutions  of  the  Conference  and  the  plan  of  the  trus- 
tees in  reference  to  the  erection  of  the  proposed  new 
church. 

Rev.  J.  P.  Moore  was  appointed  to  the  Raleigh  District, 
and  Rev.  L.  S.  Burkhead  to  Edenton  Street  Church,  Ral- 
eigh. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  third  resolution  to  carry 
out  the  provisions  of  the  second  resolution,  consequently 
consisted   of  Rev.  J.  P.  Moore, 

"     L.   S.    Burkhead, 

"        J.    B.    BOBBITT, 

"     W.  J.  W.  Crowder, 
W.  J.  Young. 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

L.  S.  Burkhead  acted  as  chairman,  and  W.  J.  Young  as 
secretary  of  of  said  committee.  This  committee  arranged  the 
following  programme  for  the  celebration,  viz  : 

""CENTENNIAL  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA  METHODISM — GRAND 
MASS-MEETING  IN  RALEIGH,  NORTH  CAROLINA,  BEGINNING 
MARCH  21  ST,   1876,   AND  CONTINUING  SIX  DAYS. 

1.  Organization. 

2.  Address  of  Welcome— Col.  Walter  Clark,  Raleigh,  N.  C„ 

SUBJECTS   FOR    DISCUSSION, 

1 .  Methodism  and  its  Founders — Bishop  H,  N,  McTyeire, 
D.  D.,  Nashville,  Tenn. 

2.  Pioneer  Methodist  Ministers  and  Laymen  of  North  Carolina 
— Their  Struggles  and  Triumphs — Rev.  W.  M.  Robey,  A.  M., 
President  of  Davenport  Female  College,  Lenoir,  N.  C,  ;  Prof, 
W.  C.  Doub,  A.  M.,  Greensboro,  N.  C. 

3.  Introduction  and  History  of  Methodism  in  Raleigh,  North, 
Carolina — Rev.  A.  W.  Mangum,  A.  M.,  Professor  in  the 
University  of  North  Carolina,  Chapel  Hill,  N.  C. 

4.  The  Influence  of  iJity  Churches  on  the  Rural  Districts— 
Rev.  H.  T.  Hudson,  Shelby,   N.  C. 

5.  Progress  of  Methodism  in  the  l^th  Century — Bishop  D, 
■S.  Doggett,  D.  D.,   Richmond,  Va. 

6.  The  Educational  Interests  of  Methodism  in  the  North  Cat*- 
olina  Conference — A  Brief  History  of  the  three  Colleges  of  the 
Conference — Rev.  T,  M.  Jones,  D.  D.,  President  of  Greens- 
boro Female  College,  Greensboro,  N.  C.  ;  Rev.  B.  Craven, 
D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  President  of  Trinity  College,  Trinity,  N.  C.  ; 
Rev.  W.  M.  Robey,  A.  M.,  President  of  Davenport  Female 
College,  Lenoir,  N.  C. 


XVI  INTRODUCTION". 

7.  Methodism — Its  Relation  to  the  Origin  and  Progress  of 
the  Sunday  School  Work — Rev.  E.  A.  Yates,  Presiding  Elder 
of  Newbern  District,   Beaufort,  N.  C. 

8.  Methodism — Its  Relation  to  the  Origin  and  Progress  of 
Bible,  Missionary  and  Tract  Societies — Rev.  E.  L.  Perkins, 
M.  D.,  Newport,  N.  C. 

9.  Eulogy  on  the  Life  and  Labors  of  Rev.  Peter  Douby  D.  D. 
—Rev.  M.  L.  Wood,  A.  M.,  Olin,  N.  C. 

10.  Methodism — Its  Revival  History — Bishop  E.  M.  Marvin, 
D.  D.,  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 

11.  Church  and  State — Hon.  John  N.  Staples,  Greensboro, 
North  Carolina. 

12.  Methodism — Its  Itinerant  Plan  of  Operations — Rev.  W. 
S.  Blaci,  Presiding  Elder  of  Wilmington  District,  Magno- 
lia, N.  C. 

13.  The  Sunday  School— A  Field  for  the  Employment  of  the 
Best  Talent— Rev.  J.  J.  Renn,  Chapel  Hill.  N.  C. 

The  foregoing  programme  was  arranged,  and  all  the 
speakers  were  invited  as  nearly  the  same  time  as  possible. 
No  one  speaker  knew  what  line  of  thought  any  other 
would  pursue.  The  addresses  are  published  in  this  vol- 
ume in  the  order  in  which  they  were  delivered,  and  as  de- 
livered. 

The  able  and  exhaustive  addresses  of  Bishops  McTyeire 
and  Doggett  do  not  appear  in  this  volume.  They  could  not 
be  procured. 

During  'he  Centennial  Celebration  many  able  sermons 
were  also  delivered.  These  do  not  appear  in  our  book. 
Bishops  McTyeire  and  Doggett,  Rev.  W.  II.  Bobbitt, 
Rev.  L.  L.  Hendren,  Rev.  John  N.  Andrews,  Rev.  S.  D. 
Adams,  Rev.  W.  D.  Lee,  Rev.  J.  S.  Nelson,  Rev.  R.  O.  Bur- 


INTRODUCTION.  XVII 

ton,  Rev.  V.  A.  Sharpe,  Rev.  D.  A.  Long,  Rev.  F.  L.  Reid, 
Rev.  T.  A.  Boone,  Rev.  W.  C.  Gannon,  Rev.  I.  T.  Wyche 
and  others.  All  preached  to  the  edification  of  their 
hearers. 

The  fruits  of  that  form  of  christian  faith  and  effort,  known 
as  Methodism,  now  waves  in  rich  and  golden  harvest  he- 
fore  the  eyes  of  the  civilized  world. 

The  progress  of  Methodism  is  the  most  remarkable  re- 
ligious fact  in  the  history  of  North  Carolina  and  of  the 
United  States,  which  the  first  century  of  our  national  exist- 
ence has  developed. 

In  1776  there  were  in  North  Carolina  three  Methodist 
preachers  and  six  hundred  and  eighty-three  members.  In 
1876  there  are  nearly  five  hundred  Methodist  preachers, 
white  and  colored,  traveling  and  local,  and  about  120,000 
members. 

The  Baptists,  Presbyterians  and  Protestant  Episcopalians 
were  all  in  North  Carolina  long  before  the  Methodists.  The 
Baptists  are  perhaps  nearly  equal  in  numbers  in  North  Caro- 
lina with  the  Methodists.  The  Presbyterians  do  not  num- 
ber 20,000.  The  Episcopalians  number  about  4,500.  In 
the  "Old  North  State"  the  Methodists  out-number  the 
Presbyterians  about  six  to  one,  and  the  Episcopalians  about 
twenty-five  to    one. 

In  1776  there  were  in  the  United  States  twenty-five  Meth- 
odist preachers  and  four  thousand  nine  hundred  and 
twenty-one  members.  In  1876  there  are  in  the  United 
States  more  than  forty  thousand  Methodist  preachers,  trav- 
eling and  local,  white  and  colored,  and  three  millions  of 
members. 

The  Baptists  had  the  start  of  the  Methodists  in  the 
United  States  about  one    hundred    and   twenty -five  years  ; 


XVIII  INTRODUCTION1. 

and  there  are   now,    according  to    the  "American   Baptist 
Year  Book  :" 

PREACHERS.  MEMBERS. 

Missionary  Baptists 13, 117 1,815,300 

Anti-Missionary  Baptists 434 41,454 

Free-Will  Baptists 1,294 70,629 

Seventh-Day  Baptists 82 7,  S36 

Six-Principle  Baptist 12 2,000 


Total 14, 939 .  : 1, 936, 719 

Presbyterians  had  the  start  of  the  Methodists  in  the  United 
States  about  sixty  years,  and  there  are  now,  of  all  branches 
of  Presbyterians,  seven  thousand  preachers  and  nine  hun- 
dred and  eighty  seven  thousand  six  hundred  and  thirty- 
seven  members. 

T!ie  Protestant  Episcopalians,  as  the  "Established 
Church,"  were  here  before  either  of  the  denominations 
above  named,  under  legal  protection  and  patronage,  and 
they  have  now  about  three  thousand  one  hundred  and  forty 
preachers  and  two  hundred  and  seventy-five  thousand  mem- 
bers. 

The  Methodists  out-number  the  Baptists  in  the  United 
States  more  than  one  million.  They  out-number  the  Pres- 
byterians more  than  two  millions,  and  they  out  number  the 
Episcopalians  more  than  ten  to  one. 

Many  of  those  who  have  been  converted  through  Metho- 
dist instrumentality  have  found  their  way  into  other 
branches  of  the  church  of  God.  How  many  we  have  no 
means  of  knowing,  but  the  number  is  large.  While  this  is 
true,  we  thank  God  that  many  of  these  Methodist  converts, 
who  have  found  a  home  in  other  communions,  have  carried 


INTRODUCTION.  XIX 

with  them  the  experience  and  power  of  vital  piety,  and  are 
laboring  and  praying  for  the  success  and  triumph  of  evan- 
gelical Christianity.  This  fact  may,  in  a  measure,  account 
tor  the  growing  spirit  of  christian  fraternity  and  good  will, 
which  these  churches  manifest  towards  the  Methodists. 

The  census  of  the  United  States  for  1870  presents  the 
following  facts,  viz  :  All  denominations  in  the  United 
States  taken  together  have  seventy-two  thousand  four  hun- 
dred and  fifty-nine  organizations,  sixty-three  thousand  six 
hundred  and  eighty-two  church  edifices,  which  contain 
twenty-one  million  six  hundred  and  sixty-five  thousand  and 
sixty-twc  sittings,  and  three  hundred  and  fifty-four  million 
four  hundred  and  eighty-three  thousand  five  hundred  and 
eighty-one  dollars'  worth  of  property. 

The  Methodists  have  twenty-five  thousand  two  hundred 
and  seventy-eight  organizations,  twenty-one  thousand  three 
hundred  and  thirty-seven  edifices,  six  million  five  hundred 
and  twenty  eight  thousand  two  hundred  and  nine  sittings, 
and  sixty-nine  million  eight  hundred  and  fifty-four  thousand 
one  hundred  and  twenty-one  dollars'  worth  of  church  prop- 
erty. Hence  in  1870,  the  Methodists  had  more  than  one- 
third  of  all  the  church  organizations,  one-third  of  all  the 
church  edifices,  nearly  one-third  of  all  the  sittings,  and 
nearly  one-fifth  of  all  the  church  property  in  the  United 
States.  Methodists  are  also  in  advance  of  any  other  de- 
nomination in  the  United  States  in  Sunday  schools,  mis- 
sions, institutions  of  learning,  the  publication  and  distribu- 
tion of  religious  books,  tracts  and  newspapers,  and  in  con- 
tributions of  men  and  money  for  the  elevation  and  salva- 
tion of  mankind. 

The  success  of  Methodism  has  been  wonderful.  The 
grand  secret  of  the  success  of  Methodism  is  to  be  found  : 


XX  INTRODUCTION. 

1.  Iii  its  doctrinal  system. 

2.  In  its  spiritual  life  manifested  in  the  happy  christian 
experience  of  its  ministers  and  members. 

'S.  In  its  methods  of  operation,  which  have  grown  out  of 
its  spiritual  life. 

The  doctrines  of  Methodism  are  true.  Every  one  of  them 
has  been  inspired  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  clearly  revealed 
in  the  Scriptures.  The  spiritual  life  of  Methodism  is  the 
exemplification  of  its  doctrines  in  the  lives  of  its  ministers 
and  members,  as  these  have  been  applied  and  attested  to 
human  consciousness  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  demonstrating  the 
power  of  Christ  to  "save  unto  the  uttermost"  all  who  come 
to  God  by  Him.  And  the  methods  of  its  operations  are  the 
outgrowths  of  its  spiritual  life,  which,  under  the  constrain- 
ing power  of  divine  love,  labors  to  "go  into  all  the  world 
and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature." 

As  an  ecclesiastical,  aggressive  organism,  Methodism  has 
no  equal.  It  is  grand  in  unity,  sublime  in  the  harmonious 
operation  of  the  various  parts  of  its  machinery,  and  glorious 
in  its  efficiency.  How  wonderful!  that  all  the  ministers 
and  members  of  Itinerant  Episcopal  Methodism,  in  every 
department  of  christian  labor,  with  its  ten  thousand  seem- 
ingly conflicting  interests,  should  be  one  in  heart  and  effort, 
all  toiling  for  the  achievement  of  one  grand  purpose — the 
salvation  of  human  souls  !  The  salvation  of  souls  is  the 
one  grand  design  of  all  the  operations  of  Methodism,  and 
the  only  reason  for  the  existence  of  ecclesiastical  organiza- 
tion. This  is  the  reason  for  the  existence  of  the  visible 
church.  Every  organization,  calling  itself  a  church,  which 
fails  to  recognize  this  true  object  of  its  existence  is  con- 
demned already.  Every  such  organization,  which  subor- 
dinates the  paramount  work  of  saving  souls  to  anything  else 


INTRODUCTION.  XXI 

unchurches  itself  and  falls  from  grace.  If,  therefore,  the 
saving  of  souls  be  the  one  grand,  paramount  object  of  eccle- 
siastical organization  and  effort ;  that  organization,  which 
is  most  successful  in  saving  souls,  is  the  best  and  the  wisest. 
The  degree  of  success  will  be  in  proportion  to  the  wisdom 
and  efficiency  of  the  methods  and  the  machinery  operated. 
That  church  organization  will  be  most  successful  which  has 
the  purest  and  most  perfectly  Scriptural  system  of  doctrine, 
which  develops  out  of  this  doctrinal  system  the  most  ex- 
alted christian  life  and  experience,  and  which,  by  its 
methods  of  operation,  brings  its  doctrines,  and  the  moral 
and  spiritual  life  produced  by  them  to  bear,  with  the  great- 
est aggressive  force  upon  the  world. 

The  history  and  success  of  Methodism  demonstrates  the 
correctness  of  the  view  thus  briefly  set  forth  : 

"See  how  great  a  flame  aspires, 

Kindled  by  a  spark  of   grace  ! 
Jesus  love  the  nations'  fires, 

Sets  the  kingdoms  in  a  blaze." 

Shall  the  fire  burn  on  until  the  world  shall  be  illumined 
with  millennial  glory,  and  Christ  shall  come  to  "claim  the 
heathen  for  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the 
earth  for  his  possession  ?"  If  so,  Methodism  must  gird  it- 
self for  still  grander  achievements. 

May  God  keep  us  one  in  doctrine,  one  in  experience,  and 
one  in  effort  to  save  souls  !  For  then,  may  we  hope,  before 
another  hundred  years  have  passed  away,  the  banner  of 
Methodism  will  wave  round  the  world,  and  her  glad  shout 
blend  with  the   harmonies  of  heaven. 

Editor. 


PROCEEDINGS 


MASS-MEETING 


(Raleigh,  A7.  C,  March  21=26,  i8j6, 

FOR  THE  PURPOSE  OF  CELEBRATING  THE 

CENTENNIAL  YEAR  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA  METHODISM. 


FIRST  DAY. 

March  21,  1876. 

The  Mass-Meeting  called  by  the  North  Carolina 
Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
South,  to  celebrate  the  Centennial  of  Methodism  in 
North  Carolina,  assembled  in  Metropolitan  Hall, 
March  21st,  1876,  at  10  o'clock  A.  M.,  and  was 
called  to  order  by  Rev.  J.  P.  Moore,  P.  E.,  of  the 
Raleigh  District,  who  opened  the  exercises  by  read- 
ing the  91st  Psalm,  and  a  portion  of  the  5th  chap- 
ter ot  the  Gospel  according  to  St.  Matthew.  He 
then  announced  the  74l6t  hymn,  which  was  sung 
by  the  choir  to  the  tune  of  Sessions,  after  which 
the  audience  joined  in  prayer,  led  by  Rev.  J.  P. 
Moore.     The   156th  hymn  was  then  sung  to  the 


2  The  Centennial  of 

tune  of  Coronation  and  the  audience  again  joined 
in  prayer,  led  by  Rev.  E.  A.  Yates. 

Rev.  J.  P.  Moore  then  announced  that  the 
Committee  of  Arrangements  had  performed  the 
duties  assigned  it  by  the  Annual  Conference  up  to 
the  present  time,  and  that  the  meeting  was  now 
ready  for  permanent  organization. 

Rev.  L.  S.  Burkhead,  D.  D.,  from  the  Commit- 
tee of  Arrangements,  moved  that  Bishop  H.  1ST. 
MeTyeire,  D.  D.,  assisted  by  Bishops  D.  S.  Doggett, 
D.  D.,  and  E.  M.  Marvin,  D.  D.,  be  requested  to 
preside  over  the  meeting,  which  motion  prevailed. 

On  motion  of  Dr.  Bnrkhead,  the  Presiding  Eld- 
ers of  the  North  Carolina  Conference  were  request- 
ed to  act  as  Tice-Presidents. 

Bishop  MeTyeire  then  invited  the  Presiding  Eld- 
ers to  seats  on  the  rostrum. 

On  i notion  of  Rev.  Dr.  Burkhead,  Rev.  F.  L. 
Reid  was  elected  Secretary. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  J.  P.  Moore,  the  usual  court- 
esies were  extended  to  the  Reporters  for  the  Press. 

Bishop  McTyeiie  then  introduced  to  the  audi- 
ence Col.  Walter  Clark,  of  Raleigh,  K".  C,  who 
welcomed  the  visitors  present  to  the  homes  and  fire- 
sides of  the  citizens  of  Raleigh  in  the  following  ad- 
dress, viz : 

Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  : 

I  deem  it  a  high  honor  that  I  have  been  selected 
by  the  Methodists  of  Raleigh  on  this  Centennial 
Anniversary  of  Methodism  in  North  Carolina,  to 
welcome  to  our  city,  to  our  homes  and  our  firesides, 


'^^£^f^ 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  3 

the  representatives  of  the  great  Methodist  Church, 
gathered  here  from  all  parts  of  North  Carolina,  and 
some  of  you  even  from  the  distant  bounds  of  the 
General  Conference.  This  is,  indeed,  a  year  of  Cen- 
tennials. This  is  the  hundredth  anniversary  of  our 
National  Independence.  This  is  also  the  hundred- 
th anniversary  of  the  organization  of  our  State  gov- 
ernment and  of  the  existence  of  our  State  as  a  Re- 
public, but  it  is  not  less  memorable  to  us  as  the 
one  hundredth  year  since  the  standard  of  the  Great 
Missionary  Church  was  unfurled  in  North  Carolina. 
One  hundred  years  ago  that  great  tidal  wave  of 
Christianity,  known  in  history  as  the  Methodistic 
Revival  of  religion,  first  struck  upon  our  shores. 

The  vast  extent  to  which  it  has  diffused  itself  and 
the  lasting  benefits  which  it  has  conferred  upon 
our  people  and  our  State,  we  have  this  day  met  to 
commemorate. 

It  is  well  to  look  backward  to  the  beginning  of 
this  great  movement.  A  little  over  two  centuries- 
and-a-half  ago  a  monk  of  the  order  of  St.  Augustine, 
while  crawling  on  bended  knees  up  Pilate's  Stairs, 
near  the  Vatican  in  Rome,  caught  by  the  ear  of 
faith,  from  the  blue  skies  above  him  bent,  a  call  to 
his  Great  Mission. 

Seven  years  later  he  nailed  his  immortal  Theses 
on  the  gates  of  the  Church  at  Wittenberg.  It  was 
a  call  to  arms.  Europe  awoke  trom  centuries  of 
priestly  rule  and  the  Reformation  began.  Forty 
years  saw  the  utmost  limits  of  its  conquests,  beyond 
which  it  has  not  since  penetrated,  and  the  begin- 
ning of  its  retreats. 


4  The  Centennial  of 

Luther  himself  perceived  this,  and  died  in  the 
conviction  as  lie  sadly  declared,  that  no  revival  of 
religion  could  last  more  than  thirty  years.  The 
Reformation,  under  Luther,  was  more  an  attempt 
to  overthrow  the  organic  system  and  the  abuses  of 
the  Papacy  than  an  evangelical  revival  of  the  spir- 
itual life  of  the  Church.  Hence  its  early  loss  of 
power.  Its  banners,  once  trailed  in  retreat,  have 
never  since  fluttered  in  an  advance. 

It  is  not  from  the  Reformation  of  Luther,  then, 
that  we  can  date.  Great,  as  that  movement  un- 
questionably was,  it  was  iconoclastic,  not  revivalist. 
It  crippled  the  Papacy,  but  it  did  not  evangelize 
the  world.  When  John  Wesley,  clarum  et  vener- 
abile  nom&n,  and  his  co-adjutors  appeared  upon  the 
scene  of  action  not  only  religion,  but  morality  was 
at  its  lowest  ebb  both  in  Great  Britain  and  on  the 
Continent.  Such  is  the  concurrent  testimony  of 
the  writers  of  the  times.  The  degradation,  the  im- 
morality, the  infidelity  of  the  age  was  all  pervading. 
It  reached  all  classes  and  blackened  alike  the  palace 
and  the  hovel.  To  use  the  language  of  the  histo- 
rian "the  prevailing  immorality  in  its  grossness 
and  its  universality  equalled,  if  it  did  not  surpass 
the  infamy  of  the  Lower  Empire  and  of  France  be- 
fore the  Great  Revolution  "  The  nations  sat  in 
the  shadow  of  a  great  moral  death. 

From  the  Rectory  of  Epworth  and  from  the  midst 
of  such  times,  in  the  providence  of  God,  proceeded 
the  great  religious  movement  which  affects  so 
largely  our  common  Protestantism  and,  which  is 
destined  to  affect  it  yet  more  profoundly.     In  the 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  5 

language  of  an  eminent  member  of  the  Church  of 
England,  "  it  is  from  the  labors  of  Wesley  and  from 
the  year  1739  that  the  religious  epoch  now  current 
must  date  its  commencement.'"  Then  was  made  a 
Declaration  of  Independence  against  all  rites  and 
creeds  save  as  aids  to  faith.  Then  it  was  that  Pro- 
testantism began  to  assume  as  its  cardinal  principle 
that  "the  purification  of  the  individual  man,  pur- 
sued in  his  individual  freedom  and  on  the  respon- 
sibility of  his  individual  conscience  "  is  the  charac- 
teristic design  of  Christianity.  Methodism,  as  it 
was  the  beginning  of  a  clearer  perception  of  these 
principles,  has  ever  remained  their  incarnation. 

The  remarkable  man  who  was  the  divine  instru- 
ment, chosen  like  David  from  the  masses  of  the  peo- 
ple, to  inaugurate  and  lead  this  great  moral  revolu- 
tion, is  a  study  within  himself.  His  labors  were  sim- 
ply stupendous.  His  writings  would  fill  a  library. 
His  travels  were  usually  forty-five  hundred  miles  a 
year  down  to  his  seventieth  year,  and  at  this  rate 
his  journeys  equalled  the  circuit  of  the  globe  once 
in  every  six  years,  preaching  during  these  journey  - 
ings  two,  three  and  four  times  a  day.  He  preached 
in  his  work  over  forty-two  thousand  sermons,  being 
an  average  of  fifteen  per  week.  He  attracted  the 
largest  congregations  of  modern  times,  on  occasions 
numbering  over  thirty  thousand  people.  "  His  gen- 
ius for  government,"  says  Macaulay,  ki  was  not  in- 
ferior to  that  of  Richelieu."  There  was  too,  a  mili- 
tary coolness  about  him  in  times  of  danger  that  im- 
pressed all  beholders.     He  was  a  namesake  and 


6  The  Centennial  of 

possibly  a  kinsman  of  the  greatest  Captain  of  Eng- 
land— he  who 

"Far  away" 
' '  Aa;ainst  the  myriads  of  Assaye 
"Clashed  with  his  fiery  few  and  won," 

and  against  whose  sombre  lines  the  fiery  onsets  of 
France  (on  a  greater  day)  foamed  themselves  away. 
John  Wesley,  in  the  estimation  of  competent  critics 
possessed  a  greater  military  genius  than  Arthur 
Wellesley.  His  immense  capacity  for  labor,  his 
wonderful  capacity  for  organization,  marked  him 
for  a  leader  among  men.  But  his  most  wonderful 
conception  was  the  Itinerant  /System.  It  was  the 
born-soldier  and  organizer  that  conceived  the  de- 
sign. It  was  a  stroke  of  genius,  unless  we  say  that 
it  was  a  revelation  of  Providence.  The  itineracy 
is  essentially  a  military  organization.  The  world 
contains  nothing  else  like  it. 

There  are  no  precedents  for  it.  The  only  institu- 
tion that  even  remotely  resembles  it  is  that  founded 
by  Ignatius  Loyola,  and  that  attained  such  power 
that  it  was  said  "  the  Order  of  Jesus  is  a  sword, 
whose  handle  is  at  Rome,  and  whose  point  is  every- 
where." Antagonistic  to  the  Jesuits,  both  in  its 
motives  and  in  its  objects,  it  has  surpassed  them  in 
its  organization  and  in  its  success. 

The  world  has  seen  no  other  triumphs  like  those 
achieved  by  it.  Working  to  East  and  West,  it  be- 
gan by  evangelizing  Great  Britain  and  Ireland.  It 
then  carried  the  Missionary  standard  of  Methodism 
to  the  Continent  of  Europe,  to  Africa,  to  the  East 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  7 

Indies  on  the  one  hand  and  on  the  other  to  the 
West  Indies,  to  Canada  and  the  United  States, 
whence  on  either  hand  its  pioneers  and  advanced 
guards  have  penetrated  the  Islands  of  the  Austra- 
lasian seas,  and  at  the  Antipodes  have  joined  the 
links  of  the  chain  of  Christian  labors  and  Christian 
charity,  which  now  encircles  the  globe. 

Mr.  Wesley  threw  himself  on  the  general  demor- 
alization of  his  times  without  reputation,  without 
money,  with  no  resources  but  the  soul  within  him 
and  God  above.  He  devoted  all  his  great  energies 
during  a  long  life,  in  spite  of  obloquy  and  derision, 
for  what  he  deemed  the  highest  good  of  his  species. 
Great  intellectually,  great  morally,  and  great  phys- 
ically, when  he  died  in  the  eighty-eighth  year  of  his 
age  and  the  sixty-fifth  of  his  ministry,  he  had  seen 
the  Church,  which  he  had  founded,  spread  through- 
out the  United  Kingdom,  settled  in  the  West  Indies, 
France  and  Canada,  and  episcopally  organized  in 
the  United  States,  "  with  a  discipline,  a  literature, 
and  a  Psalmody,"  He  died  at  the  head  ot  a  com- 
pact host  of  five  hundred  and  fifty  itinerants,  thou* 
sands  of  local  preachers  and  more  than  one  hundred 
and  forty  thousand  members. 

Great  Britain  has  erected  a  statue  to  him  in  her 
new  Houses  of  Parliament,  but  he  has  achieved  a 
fame  in  this  life  more  extensive  than  the  English 
language,  and  in  the  life  to  come  a  reward  which 
Eternity  must  measure.  The  great  men  who  have 
founded  physical  empires  have  left  them  to  fall  as 
soon  as  the  hands  that  moulded  and  made  them  are 
withdrawn.     But  Wesley's  empire,  founded  in  the 


8  The  Centennial  or 

souls  and  the  hearts  of  men,  widens  with  every  year, 
extends  with  every  century,  and  as  has  been  justly 
said  "  of  the  few  names  whose  influence  will  be 
potent,  millions,  perhaps  myriads  of  years  hence, 
should  this  habitable  globe  endure  so  long,  is  that 
of  John  Wesley.'1  Paul  still  preaches  around  the 
world  to-day.  Luther  still  holds  at  bay  Rome  and 
its  abominations.  And  Wesley  lives  and  breathes 
in  that  revival  of  religion,  which  is  evangelizing  the 
world. 

Time  fails  us  to  speak  of  his  co-adjutors — those 
bold,  early  itinerants,  whose  labors  and  whose  dan- 
gers will  compare  with  those  of  man  on  any  Held  of 
action.  Whitfield  was  the  Demosthenes  of  the 
modern  pulpit.  His  very  name  lingers  as  a  mem- 
ory of  eloquence.  Coke,  another  of  them,  was  the 
first  Protestant  Bishop  whose  feet  trod  the  soil  of 
the  New  World.  After  episcopally  organizing  the 
Church  in  this  country,  and  committing  the  trust 
to  Asbury,  after  evangelizing  the  West  Indies,  and 
traversing  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  after  origina- 
ting and  founding  on  an  organized  basis  the  Mis- 
sionary cause,  he  died  at  sea  on  his  way  to  evangel- 
ize the  vast  country  which  had  known  no  mission- 
ary since  St.  Thomas,  and,  which  had  lately  been 
wrested  from  Barbaric  rule  by  Clive.  He  sleeps 
beneath  the  ocean — a  fitting  tomb  for  the  Great 
Missionary  whose  zeal,  like  its  waves,  reached  to 
every  shore  and  its  surges  loll  an  eternal  requiem 
for  the  sainted  dead. 

One  hundred  years  ago  one  circuit,  created  by  the 
Baltimore  Conference  of  that  year,  and  of  indefinite 


i 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  9 

proportions,  embracing  the  Carolinas,  was  all  of 
Methodism  that  was  to  be  found  within  the  State 
of  North  Carolina.  By  a  Providential  provision 
the  itineracy  came  with  its  wonderful  adaptation 
to  oar  country  just  as  it  was  needed.  The  Ameri- 
can Revolution  made  this  country  the  gathering 
place  of  the  nations. 

No  other  system  could  have  prevented  the  re- 
lapsing of  the  country  into  infidelity.  There  was 
no  state  Church,  organized  churches  could  only  be 
formed  where  members  already  existed.  The  har- 
vest was  plentiful,  the  reapers  were  few.  At  this 
juncture  Methodism  came  forward  with  a  machin- 
ery adapted  to  the  work.  Essentially  missionary 
and  propagandist,  it  sent  its  itinerants  into  every 
nook  and  corner  of  the  land.  It  preached  through 
them  the  word  to  thousands  and  thousands,  who 
could  have  been  reached  in  no  other  way.  Its  hardy 
itinerants  kept  pace  with  the  march  of  immigration, 
if  not  ahead  of  it.  They  raised  the  Church  spire, 
where  the  smoke  of  the  wigwam  had  scarcely  dis- 
appeared and  from  one  end  of  the  Union  to  the 
other  "  their  hortatory  preachings  thundered  along 
the  American  circuits,"  rescuing  and  redeeming  a 
nation.  The  zeal  of  the  itineracy  rising  to  religious 
chivalry,  their  devotion  to  their  work,  their  disre- 
gard of  ease  made  them  one  of  the  most  self-sacri- 
ficing, laborious,  practical  and  successful  bodies  of 
men  in  the  history  of  the  world.  To  the  Church 
militant  they  have  been  what  the  tenth  Legion  was 
to  Ceesar,  what  the  Old  Guard  was  to  Napoleon — 
always  in  the  van,  and  the  thickest  of  the  tight — a 
2 


10  The  Centennial  of 

solid  lance-head  of  iron  tempered  in  the  fire  of  bat- 
tle. They  were  like  the  famous  Persian  Corps 
known  as  the  Immortals,  in  which  one  no  sooner 
fell  than  another  took  his  place.  The  itinerants 
forded  creeks,  swam  rivers,  slept  in  forests, 

"Unconquered  lords  of  pleasure  and  of  pain; 
No  dangers  could  fright  them  and  no  labors  tire." 

They  labored  as  if  the  judgment-fires  were  about 
to  break  out.  To  them  the  Cross  was  the  Fiery 
Cross  of  the  Scotch  Highlander,  flashing  over  hill, 
over  valley,  summoning  all  alike — the  laborer  from 
his  work,  the  miser  from  his  hoard,  the  reveler  from 
his  revelry,  the  grieving  from  the  dead,  and  when 
one  bearer  of  the  circling  Signal  of  Alarm  fell  ex- 
hausted, another  sprang  to  grasp  it  and  bore  it  aloft 
till  he  too  should  fall  in  turn.  Do  you  ask  the  re- 
sult of  their  labors  '.  Beneath  the  dome  of  a  world- 
known  building  in  London  lies  the  bones  of  the 
architect  whose  genius  raised  and  formed  the  edifice. 
To  kings,  and  lords,  and  heroes  on  either  hand  rise 
monuments  carved  with  eulogies.  Over  the  resting- 
place  of  the  architect  lies  an  unadorned  slab  with 
only  these  words  :  "  Do  you  seek  his  monument, 
look  above  you."  And  that  dome  stands  a  lasting 
and  eloquent  monument  to  his  memory.  But  long 
after  the  towers  of  St.  Paul's  shall  have  sank  into 
their  primeval  dust,  the  speaker  who  shall  stand 
here  or  elsewhere,  and  welcome  on  a  Centennial 
morning,  the  recurring  anniversary,  will  say  as  I 
do  to  this  assemblage,  do  you  ask  the  monument 
to  the  labors  of  Wesley  and  his  itineracy,  "'Look 
around  you." 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  11 

Their  monument  in  North  Carolina  is  this:  That 
where  one  hundred  years  ago  one  circuit,  just  organ- 
ized was  the  possibility,  to-day  more  than  one  hun- 
dred circuits,  more  than  two  hundred  itinerants, 
more  than  three  hundred  local  preachers  and  nearly 
eighty  thousand  communicants  arise  a  living  real- 
ity to  tell  of  Methodism — to  say  nothing  of  the 
thousands  that  have  gone  before,  of  the  revivifying 
influence  brought  to  bear  on  other  churches  and  of 
those  converted  under  Methodistic  teachings,  who 
have  joined  other  communions. 

Nor  is  this  all,  there  are  in  North  Carolina  over 
eight  hundred  Methodist  Sunday  schools,  with  over 
live  thousand  teachers,  training  nearly  fifty  thousand 
children  to  take  our  places  as  we  pass  on  over  the 
river.  Within  the  limits  of  the  State  are  four  Con- 
ference colleges,  seventy  parsonages  and  eight  hun- 
dred churches.  Strike  out  Methodism  from  the 
present  of  North  Carolina,  strike  out  what  it  has 
been,  destroy  its  past,  and  the  present  and  past  of 
North  Carolina  would  be  dark,  dark  indeed. 

Shall  we  see  what  Methodism  has  done  in  the 
Union  ?  An  Evangelical  Alliance  of  Protestant 
churches  was  held  in  New  York  in  1873,  and  by 
the  returns  made  to  that  meeting,  it  appeared  that 
there  belonged  to  the  Methodist  family  of  churches 
in  the  United  States  over  eighteen  thousand  itiner- 
ants, over  thirty  thousand  local  preachers  forming 
with  the  other  membership  nearly  three  million  one 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  communicants,  being 
considerably  more  than  one-third,  and  within  a  frac- 
tion of  one-half  the  Protestant  communicants  in  this 


12  The  Centennial  of 

country.  Besides  this,  the  Methodists'  own  fifty- 
three  colleges,  thirteen  collegiate  institutes,  thirty 
thousand  churches,  and  as  many  schools  with  nearly 
two  hundred  thousand  Sunday  school  teachers, 
training  two  millions  of  children. 

But  there  is  scarcely  a  field  of  action  where  the 
ever  advancing  standard  of  this  Great  Missionary 
Church  has  not  been  carried. 

In  the  wilds  of  Africa,  in  the  jungles  of  Asia, 
along  the  American  shores,  amid  the  spicy  breezes 
of  the  far-off  island  world, 

' '  By  many  an  ancient  river, 
On  many  a  palmy  plain," 

its  folds  have  floated  to  the  winds  of  heaven.  And 
wherever  it  has  gone,  there  have  gone  with  it  the 
earlier  hymns  of  the  Church.  More  truly  than  of 
the  drumbeats  of  England  can  it  be  said  of  the 
hymns  of  Charles  Wesley,  that  "commencing  with 
the  rising  of  the  sun,  and  keeping  pace  with  the  fly- 
ing hours  as  they  speed,  they  encircle  the  world 
with  an  unbroken  succession  of  the  national  airs  of 
Britain,"  and  they  have  added  to  the  glories  of 
earth  the  triumphs  of  heaven.  They  have  been 
more  devoutly  committed  to  memory,  and  oftener 
repeated  upon  a  death-bed  than  any  other  poems  in 
the  language.  It  is  difficult  to  obtain  the  exact 
statistics,  but  from  the  most  reliable  information,  it 
may  be  said  that  the  Church  founded  by  John  Wes- 
ley, but  little  over  a  century  and  a  third  ago  now 
counts  upon  the  globe  one  hundred  and  fifty  thou- 
sand ministers,  (local  and   itinerant)  ten  millions 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  13 

communicants  and  forty  millions  of  hearers.  With 
truth  it  has  been  said,  "the  Methodist  Church  is  a 
revival  church  in  its  spirit,  a  missionary  church  in 
its  organization/1 

Such  was  the  beginning,  such  has  been  the  his- 
tory and  such  are  the  present  proportions  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  Millions  now  dead  and  gone, 
she  has  taught  "how  to  live  and  how  to  die."  What 
a  glorious  future  is  before  her  in  the  countless  ages 
yet  to  come. 

But  why  should  I  speak  further  oi  war  in  the  pre- 
sence of  Hannibal — indeed  in  the  presence  of  so 
many  Hannibals.  Shall  I  address  you  on  Method- 
ism and  its  founders  %  Bishop  McTyeire  will  speak 
on  that  subject  to-night.  Shall  I  turn  to  the  inter- 
esting subject  of  the  wonderful  progress  of  Metho- 
dism in  this  century  ?  Bishop  Doggett  will  treat 
ol  that  subject  in  his  masterly  style  on  Thursday. 
Shall  I  dilate  on  its  revival  history?  Bishop  Marvin 
wTill  illustrate  that  subject  on  Friday,  Shall  I  speak 
of  the  pioneers  of  Methodism,  and  their  struggles, 
of  the  educational  interests  of  North  Carolina  Meth- 
odism, of  the  Sunday  School  Work,  of  the  Bible, 
Missionary  and  Tract  cause,  or  of  the  itinerant  sys- 
tem? Turn  which  way  I  will,  these  subjects  have 
been  portioned  out  to  gentlemen  fully  conversant 
with  their  subjects,  and  whom  we  will  all  have  the 
pleasure  of  hearing  during  the  week. 

One  hundred  yetirs  from  to-day,  in  the  providence 
of  God,  another  Centennial  of  Methodism  will  be 
held  in  the  City  of  Raleigh.  Times,  manners,  even 
Governments  may  have  changed.     Perhaps  State 


14  The  Centennial  of 

and  county  lines  may  have  vanished.  Perchance  a 
city  of  more  than  one  hundred  thousand  inhabitants 
may  occupy  the  site  on  which  Raleigh  now  stands. 
Perchance  the  world  will  have  grown  wiser  and 
better.  Another  speaker  will  welcome  another  and 
a  larger  Centennial.  But  whatever  be  the  occasion, 
whatever  the  surroundings,  in  the  name  of  the  dig- 
nitaries, the  ministers,  the  representatives  of  the 
Methodist  Church  here  assembled,  I  ask  him  to  say 
that  the  Methodist  Church  was  on  this  day  in  full 
vigor,  that  it  had  kept  the  faith  unspotted,  that  its 
usefulness  was  undiminished,  that  its  organization 
was  still  preserved,  and  that  it  was  arousing  itself 
to  fuller  activity  and  greater  faith  and  trusted  to 
achieve  those  great  triumphs  for  the  cause  of  Christ 
which,  like  Abraham,  we  can  see  only  by  faith,  but 
whose  accomplishment  that  audience  will  have  wit- 
nessed. 

Before  us  lies  spread  out  tin1  week  of  Jubilee. 
Before  us  are  the  sermons  and  speeches  of  the  lead- 
ers of  the  hosts,  of  the  Captains  in  Israel,  some  of 
whom  have  marched  from  East  to  West  beneath 
the  Cross  farther  than  the  Centurions  did  beneath 
the  eagles.  It  is  a  week  of  rejoicing,  which  the 
Methodist  Church  in  North  Carolina  does  well  to 
give  itself  after  one  hundred  years  of  labor  and  be- 
fore again  girding  itself  for  another  century  of  toil. 

In  the  name  of  the  Methodists,  and  the  people 
of  Raleigh,  I  again  bid  you  a  warm,  a  pressing,  a 
hearty  and  an  affectionate  welcome  to  our  city  and 
the  hospitalities  of  its  people. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  15 

Bishop  McTyeire  responded  on  behalf  of  his  col- 
leagues, and  the  visitors  present,  in  a  most  appro- 
priate and  touching  speech. 

Rev.  Dr.  Burkhead  then  announced  that  there 
would  be  preaching  in  Edenton  Street  Church  at 
3^  o'clock  P.  M.,  by  Rev.  J.  X.  Andrews,  and  in 
Person  Street  Church,  at  3-|  o'clock,  by  Rev.  Y.  A. 
Sharpe. 

At  7|  o'clock  P.  M.j  an  Address,  in  Metropoli- 
tan Hail,  by  Bishop  II.  X.  McTyeire,  D.  D.,  of 
Xashville,  Tennessee.  Subject :  .Methodism  and 
its  Founders. 

The  Long  Meter  Doxolgy  was  sung,  and  the  meet- 
ing adjourned,  with  benediction  by  Bishop  D.  S. 
Doggett,  of  Richmond,  Virginia. 

EVENING  SESSION. 

The  Centennial  exercises  were  resumed  in  Metro- 
politan Hall  promptly  at  7%  o'clock  P.  M.,  Bishop 
D.  S.  Doggett,  in  the  chair.  The  meeting  was 
opened  with  religious  services  by  the  Chairman. 

Bishop  Doggett  then  introduced  Bishop  II.  X. 
McTyeire,  who  addressed  the  audience  on  "Meth- 
odism, and  its  Founders ." 

The  address  was  a  master-piece.  The  good 
Bishop  held  the  vast  audience  spell-bound  for  two 
hours.  We  regret  to  say,  the  Bishop  had  not  pre- 
pared the  address  for  publication,  and  hence  we  can 
not  lay  it  before  our  readers.  We  deeply  regret  this. 
Such  facts  and  figures,  so  logically  arranged  and 
forcibly  presented  would  be  read  with  great  plea- 
sure and  profit  by  the  public  generally,  as  well  as 
by  Methodists. 


16  The  Centennial  of 

After  announcements  were  made  by  Dr.  Burk- 
head,  the  vast  audience,  led  by  the  Choir,  sung  the 
Long  Meter  Doxology,  and  was  dismissed,  with 
benediction  by  Bishop  Doggett. 


SECOND  DAY. 

March  22,  1876. 

The  Centennial  exercises  were  resumed  in  Metro- 
politan Hall,  at  10  o'clock  A.  M.,  Bishop  E.  M. 
Marvin,  D.  D  ,  in  the  Chair. 

The  opening  religious  services  were  conducted  by 
Rev.  S.  D.  Adams,  of  Greensboro'  Station,  North 
Carolina  Conference. 

Bishop  Marvin  then  introduced  Rev.  W.  M. 
Robey,  A.  M.,  President  of  Davenport  Female  Col- 
lege, Lenoir,  N.  C,  who  addressed  the  vast  audi- 
ence on 

"THE     PIONEER     PREACHERS     OF     NORTH      CAROLINA  — 
THEIR    STRUGGLES    AND    TRIUMPHS." 

Mr.  Robey  said : 

Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen : 

The  very  first  thing  that  1  remember  was  a 
Methodist  preacher.  I  also  remember  that  I  did 
not  like  him.  The  third  fact  in  the  order  of  mem- 
ory, as  I  now  have  it,  is,  that  I  heard  that  that 
preacher  was  dead,  and  I  was  glad  of  it. 


*&?     HZf    ^w. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  17 

Why  I  did  not  like  him,  I  do  not  distinctly  re- 
member ;  but  why  I  was  glad  to  hear  of  his  death 
was,  that  I  did  not.  like  him.  I  remember  nothing 
of  his  personal  appearance,  except  that  he  had  black 
hair  and  keen  black  eyes.  My  mother  says  that  he 
was  a  very  holy  man. 

A  year  or  two  later  there  come  along  another 
preacher  that  I  did  not  like — a  tall,  lank  looking 
man  with  freckled  face,  bine  eyes,  and  red  hair. 
The  ground  of  my  dislike  in  this  case  I  remember 
distinctly.  On  one  occasion  he  insisted  that  I 
should  be  flogged  for  a  piece  of  willfulness  which  I 
had  the  temerity  to  exhibit  in  his  presence.  I  did 
not  get  the  flogging,  but  it  was  not  his  fault.  1 
learned,  however,  to  be  more  discreet,  especially  in 
the  presence  of  preachers,  and  always  afterward 
they  thought  I  was  a  very  proper  boy. 

I  believe  these  are  the  only  Methodist  preachers 
that  I  ever  saw  that  I  did  not  like. 

About  the  second  preacher  that  I  remembered 
was  named  Sharpe  — Thos.  Mortimer  Sharpe.     For 
some  reason  or  other  I  regarded  him  as  a  very  great 
man,  and  continued  in    this  belief  till  I  saw  Peter 
Doub  and   James  Patterson.     These   two  men  at 
once   monopolized   all   my  ideas  of  greatness,  and    *  "* 
yon  will  allow  me  to  say  that  to-day  I  feel  a  rever-     th- 
ence for  the  names  of  Peter  Doub  and  James  Pat- , 
terson  which  I  feel  for  no  others. 

I  remember  also  the  saintly  and  sainted    John 
Rich.     Like  his  divine  Master  he  loved  little  child- 
ren.    I  heard  him   preach  once.     He  pleaded  for 
the  little  ones.     I  thought  he  was  a  very  angel. 
3 


18  The  Centennial  of 

These  brief  reminiscences  will  show  you  that  my 
personal  knowledge  does  not  extend  a  great  way 
back,  and  for  this  very  reason  I  would  gladly  have 
given  place  to-day  to  some  of  our  venerable  fathers. 

I  am  to  speak  of  the  Pioneer  Methodist  Preach- 
ers— their  Struggles  and  their  Triumphs.  A  more 
unsuitable  man  to  speak  on  such  a  subject  on  such 
an  occasion,  I  think,  could  scarcely  have  been  se- 
lected. I  say  this  with  profound  defference  to  the 
Committee,  and  shall  be  glad  to  know  after  I  have 
done,  that  they  do  not  agree  with  me.  This,  how- 
ever, I  did  not  find  out  till  I  had  committed  myself 
to  the  theme  and  the  occasion  in  such  a  way  that  1 
could  not  honorably  decline.  At  least,  I  thought 
so,  and  this  is  how  I  happen  to  be  here  now. 

The  Pioneer  Preachers  !  I  must  confess  that  I 
know  comparatively  little  of  their  personal  history 
except  their  names.  I  could  furnish  you  enough 
of  these  to  make  a  respectable  vocabulary  ;  but  I 
never  had  any  taste  for  putting  down  long  lists  of 
names  or  statistical  tables.  Just  that,  would,  I 
think,  make  a  dry  speech,  especially  for  an  occasion 
of  such  intense  interest. 

My  ignorance  of  these  men  I  must  be  allowed  to 
attribute  to  some  extent,  at  least,  to  themselves. 
The  paucity  of  their  personal  records  furnishes  a 
key  to  their  character.  They  were  earnest,  work- 
ing men  who  took  no  great  pains 

"To  leave  their  foot-prints  on  the  sands  of  time." 

Their  great  purpose  was  to  spread  "  Scriptural 
holiness  over  all  these  lands  " — to  have  Christ  im- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  19 

aged  on  the  heart  of  mankind — to  impress  the  truth 
in  such  a  manner  that  it  might  be  remembered  rath- 
er than  they.     This  done  they  were  willing  to  be 

"little  and  unknown." 

They  journeyed,  pilgrims  and  strangers  in  a 
strange  land,  always  looking  and  pointing  to  the 
"  city  which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder  and 
maker  is  God,""  Profoundly  impressed  with  the 
transitory  nature  of  all  terrestrial  things,  they 
sought  no  earthly  tablets  to  blazon  forth  their  deeds. 
Their  ambition,  if  we  ought  to  call  it  ambition,  was, 
to  tell 

"The  old,  old  story 
Of  Jesus  and  his  love  " — 

to  tell  it  well,  and  tell  it  truly,  and,  when  they  could 
tell  it  no  longer,  to  "  cease  at  once  to  work  and  live.'" 

But  what  of  their  struggles?  Here  again  a  veil 
is  spread  over  them.  Who  shall  lift  it?  They  have 
not  stopped  to  tell  the  story,  thrilling  as  it  would 
have  been.     And  who  can  tell  it  but  they  ? 

Could  we  wake  them  from  their  sleep  to-day 
would  they  tell  it?  jSTo.  They  would  come  forth 
with  the  dust  of  the  tomb  upon  them  to  seize  the 
Cross  and  wave  it  over  the  world  in  the  name  of 
Jesus.  Like  the  patriot  soldier,  just  exchanged  and 
fresh  from  his  prison,  they  would  demand  their 
sword  again — their  old  thumb- worn  Bibles,  "  the 
sword  of  the  Spirit  which  is  the  word  of  God."  The 
first  thing  they  would  ask  of  us  would  be  ''  license 
to  preach"  and  the  next,  an  appointment.     Would 


20  The  Centennial  oe 

they  go  pioneering  again  for  Jesus?  Yes,  to  the 
frontiers  of  civilization. 

Call  up  John  Early,  and  Win.  Mc  Ken  dree,  and 
Francis  Asbury.  Call  up  James  Reid,  and  James 
Patterson,  and  Peter  Doub,  and  Moses  Brock,  and 
Hezekiah  G.  Lee,  and  David  B.  Nicholson,  and 
Philip  Bruce,  and  their  comrades  in  arms  who 
fought  and  fell  side  by  side  in  armor  complete. 

Call  up  the  frozen  form  of  Richmond  Nolley  from 
the  swamps  of  Louisiana. 

Come  forth,  ye  battle-scarred  heroes  of  an  hun- 
dred years, — ye  sweetly  sleeping  tenants  of  saintly 
tombs  !  Your  children  call  you.  On  this  Centen- 
nial day  they  would  hear  from  your  own  lips,  once 
so  eloquent,  the  story  of  your  struggles  and  tri- 
umphs— how  ye  fought  and  fell. 

Listen!  I  hear  them  answer  with  united  voice: 
"  God  forbid  that  we  should  glory  save  in  the  Cross 
of  Christ."  Give  us  back  our  living  tongue  !  Give 
us  back  our  credentials!  Put  our  vows  upon  us 
again,  and  send  us  whither  ye  will!  We  will  go, 
and  as  we  go  we  will  preach." 

But  we  may  not  call  them  back.  They  are  gone. 
God  has  taken  them.  They  have  done  their  work. 
They  served  their  generation  by  the  will  of  God, 
and  now  they  sleep  well.     Let  them  rest. 

One  hundred  years  have  rolled  away  since  they 
began  their  work.  They  felled  the  forest,  conquer- 
ed the  savages,  and  sowed  the  fields  which  are  nowT 
ripe  for  the  harvest.  Ours  it  is  to  thrust  in  the 
sickle,  ours  to  sing  the  harvest  home.  Theirs  the 
toil,  ours  the  joy. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  21 

I  do  not  wish  to  say  a  word  that  will  disparage 
any  one,  especially  on  such  an  occasion  as  this ;  nor 
to  distinguish  invidiously  between  the  great  and 
good  who  have  lived  and  died  in  the  past :  and, 
above  all,  I  would  not  be  guilty  of  anything  like 
vain  boasting  ;  but  those  who  know  anything  of  the 
early  Methodist  preachers  as  a  class  will  justify  me 
in  saying  that  a  more  Apostolical  race  of  men  has 
never  lived  since  the  days  of  the  Apostles  them- 
selves, and  those  who,  do  not  and  cannot  discover 
this,  are  above  all  intelligent  Christian  people  in  the 
world,  most  to  be  pitied. 

We  appeal  to  facts.  First,  they  were  "  called  of 
God,"  not  by  man,  nor  by  the  will  of  the  flesh,  but 
of  God.  And  immediately  they  "  conferred  not 
with  flesh  and  blood,"  but  were  "  obedient  lo  the 
heavenly  calling.'1 

Upon  no  other  hypothesis  can  we  account  for 
their  deeds  and  their  success. 

Nothing  but  the  profoundest  convictions  of  duty 
could  ever  have  drawn  them  forth  into  such  a  field 
as  that  which  they  chose,  and  nothing  but  the  same 
irresistible  convictions  could  have  kept  them  there. 
One  and  the  same  solemn,  awful  impression,  "Woe 
is  me  if  I  preach  not  the  gospel,'1  too  distinct,  too 
palpable,  to  be  misunderstood,  and  too  profound 
and  soul-crushing  to  be  thrown  off,  summed  up  the 
experience  of  every  one  of  them  on  this  subject. 
They  did  not  rush  into  the  ministry  lightly,  heed- 
lessly, as  children  run  after  a  new  sight  or  a  great- 
wonder.  To  become  a  herald  of  the  Cross  was  one 
of  their  great  struggles.     The  reverence  and  fear 


22  The  Centennial  of 

with  which  they  approached  the  holy  calling,  re- 
minds one  of  Moses  when  he  stood  at  the  foot  of 
Sinai  in  the  presence  of  the  out-hanging  signals  of 
God's  encampment. 

Methodism  was  not  then  what  it  is  now.  The 
Methodist  itinerancy  was  not  then  what  it  is  now. 
Now  Methodism  is  a  grand  thing.  The  "  circuit 
rider  "  has  come  to  be  respectable.  He  is  no  longer 
watched  under  suspicion  of  robbery  and  sedition. 
I  hope  I  shall  not  be  accused  of  a  want  of  due  mod- 
esty in  using  this  term  and  insisting  upon  it.  True, 
the  "  circuit  rider"  has  not  yet  come  to  be  the  only 
priest  of  the  Most  High  God,  but,  nevertheless,  he 
is  respectable  even  here  in  North  Carolina. 

Times  have  materially  changed.  Figures  have 
changed.  Now  there  are  in  North  Carolina  almost 
five  hundred  of  these  respectable  Methodist  preach- 
ers. One  hundred  years  ago  to-day  there  were  only 
three  in  the  whole  State.  Now  we  have  nearly  a 
thousand  churches  ;  then  we  had  none  Now  we 
have  our  hundred  thousand  members,  with,  perhaps, 
four  hundred  thousand  adherents :  one  hundred 
years  ago  we  had,  at  most,  but  five  or  six  hundred 
communicants  and  almost  no  friends.  And  North 
Carolina  is  but  a  type  of  the  nation  in  this  respect. 
I  make  these  statements  not  to  boast,  but  because  I 
need  them  in  the  argument. 

Now,  a  man  may  as  well  become  a  Methodist 
Preacher  as  anything  else.  A  woman  may  as  well 
become  the  wife  of  a  Methodist  preacher  as  any 
other  man's  wife.  Neither  loses  caste  by  entering 
into  a  work  so  honorable. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  23 

It  was  far  otherwise  in  the  days  of  our  fathers. 
The  prospect  for  this  world  was  dreary  enough. 
The  tield  was  not  inviting  except  to  the  eye  of  faith, 
and  then  the  harvest  was  so  distant  that  the  sturdy, 
brave-hearted  pioneer  could  not  hope  to  be  permit- 
ted to  join  in  the  harvest  song. 

It  was  no  vision  of  earthly  glory  that  lured  him 
on — it  was  no  position  of  place  and  power.  The 
reason  that  he  gave,  nay,  felt,  for  the  zeal  that  was 
in  him  was,  "  Called  of  God.''  "  Woe  is  'me  if  I 
preach  not  the  gospel^  Had  a  voice  spoken  to  him 
from  heaven  in  the  language  of  men,  he  could  not 
have  been  more  certainly  assured  in  his  own  mind 
of  the  will  of  God.  It  was  this  profound,  ever 
present  conviction — this  conscious  vocation  direct 
from  heaven,  through  the  ever-blessed  Spirit,  that 
carried  him  anywhere,  everywhere,  to  preach  the 
word. 

If  it  be  said  that  this  un calculating  zeal  was  only 
a  blind  enthusiasm- — that  these  laborious,  self-sacri- 
licing  men  were  only  victims  of  a  morbid  conscience  ; 
and  that,  though  honest,  they  were  deceived  in 
regard  to  their  divine  vocation  ;  and  that,  conse- 
quently, it  is  futile  to  argue  from  this  their  Apos- 
tolical character : — then  we  point  to  their  creden- 
tials, inscribed,  as  by  the  finger  of  God,  in  their 
marvelous  success. 

When  John  sent  to  Jesus  asking,  "  Art  thou  he 
that  should  come,  or  look  we  for  another  \  Jesus 
pointed  to  his  works.  "Tell  John  what  things  ye 
have  seen  and  heard :  how  that  the  blind  see, 
the  lame  walk,   the  lepers  are  cleansed,  the   deaf 


24  The  Centennial  of 

hear,  the  dead  are  raised,  to  the  poor  the  gospel  is 
preached.'" 

We  point  to  the  works  of  these  men.  Surely 
they  did  preach  the  gospel.  If  they  did  not,  what 
did  they  preach  %  Surely  it  was  blessed  of  God  ;  for 
men  were  converted,  not  a  few,  but  thousands  ;  and 
they  brought  forth  the  fruits  of  genuine  conversion. 
Surely  they  planted  a  vine  that  has  spread  and  filled 
the  whole  land,  and  the  grapes  are  good,  are  they 
not?  Is  it  then  a  branch  of  the  true  vine  or  not? 
Then  where  did  they  get  this  branch  if  not  from 
God?  Then  were  they  not  "called  of  God  "?  They 
were  not  called  of  men.  Not  called  of  God,  they 
were  not  called  at  all.  Then  they  went  forth  self- 
commissioned,  impostors,  blind  zealots,  without  au- 
thority from  heaven  or  earth,  without  recognition 
of  God  or  man,  "wolves  in  sheep's  clothing,"'  but 
as  sheep  in  the  midst  of  wolves,  and  they  wrought 
profanely,  blasphemously,  in  the  name  of  Jesus, 
anathematized  by  the  Church  on  earth,  disowned 
of  God  in  heaven  : — hell  against  them,  earth  against 
them,  heaven  against  them,  and  lo!  the  devils  are 
cast  out,  the  lepers  are  cleansed,  the  deaf  hear, 
the  dumb  speak,  the  lame  walk,  the  dead  are  raised, 
and  the  poor  have  the  gospel  preached  to  them:  — 
in  a  word,  sinners  of  all  grades  and  conditions  from 
the  highest  to  the  lowest,  from  the  best  to  the  worst 
are  converted  under  their  preaching;  and  to  crown 
all,  they  die  in  triumph  like  Paul,  and  go  up  to  hea- 
ven, and  the  church  which  they  planted  lives  on, 
and  succeeding  generations  rise  up  and  call  them 
blessed.  "  By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them.  Do 
men  gather  grapes  of  thorns  or  figs  of  thistles?" 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  25 

When  the  Lord  ascended  he  gave  the  world  to 
his  disciples :  "Go  ye  into  all  the  world."  John 
Wesley  caught  the  spirit  of  this  commission  and 
gave  it  form  in  words  only  less  sublime  than  those 
of  Jesus :  "  The  -world  is  my  parish."  This  was 
the  assumption  of  the  old,  original  title.  It  was  but 
a  brief  paraphrase  of  the  great  commission.  It  was, 
in  the  mouth  of  Wesley,  not  a  declaration  of  right 
only,  but  of  imperative  duty  to  preach  the  gospel 
anywhere,  everywhere.  It  was  but  the  interpreta- 
tion of  his  high  vocation.  The  call  to  preach  gave 
him  universal  jurisdiction  to  the  full  extent  of  his 
power,  and  to  this  extent  demanded  its  exercise. 
The  call  to  preach  was  a  call  to  go. 

This  idea  was  transmitted  from  Wesley  to  his 
preachers.  In  their  minds  the  two  thoughts  were 
inseparably  blended,  and  crystalizecl  into  one  solemn 
conviction  of  duty.  The  same  impulse  that  brought 
them  into  the  ministry  also  demanded  an  open  field 
— a  broad  field  for  its  mighty  exercise.  "  The  world 
is  my  parish '"  was  their  sublime  motto,  and  they 
wanted  a  circuit  embracing  as  nearly  as  possible  the 
whole  of  it.  A  whole  State  or  colony  was  not  there- 
fore esteemed  a  "hard  circuit."  It  was  only  a 
"glorious  field."  What  was  such  a  circuit  to  one 
"called  of  God?" — to  God's  ambassador  to  a  re- 
volted world?  What  to  one  whose  vision,  faith, 
and  hope,  took  in  the  world? 

And  what  if  he  had  no  money — no  horse?     Did 

not  the  Apostles  go  without  scrip  or  purse  or  staff? 

God  has  called.     God  says  go.     Conscience  says, 

"Woe  is  me  if  I  preach  not  the  gospel:"- — if  I  go 

4 


26  The  Centennial  of 

not  Faith  says,  "  The  laborer  is  worthy  of  his 
hire.1'  "  They  that  preach  the  gospel  shall  live  of 
the  gospel.1' 

If  the  ravens  did  once  feed  a  prophet  in  the  wil- 
derness :  If  God  did  once  rain  manna  from  heaven 
for  his  people  :  If  Paul  found  friends  to  bring  him 
on  his  way  that  he  might  preach  Christ,  what  need 
of  money  or  horse?  Money  or  no  money,  horse  or 
no  horse,  the  gospel  must  be  preached. 

The  bread  of  life  must  be  given  to  the  perishing- 
world.  The  few  scattered  sheep  wTandering  in  the 
wilderness  and  on  the  mountains  must  be  sought 
out,  fed,  and  protected.  The  poor  that  live  in  the 
dark,  cold  places  of  the  earth  must  have  the  gospel 
preached  to  them.     God  says  go,  and  go  they  must. 

I  do  not  propose  to  enter  at  length  into  historical 
details.  This  has  been  left  for  others  more  compe- 
tent. But,  by  way  of  illustrating  the  abundant 
labors  of  our  Apostolical  fathers,  I  must  be  allowed 
to  glance  at  an  item  or  two. 

We  sometimes,  even  now,  hear  of  heavy  districts, 
large  circuits,  extensive  travel,  and  long  absence 
from  home.  Even  in  our  own  short  and  compara- 
tively easy  life  we  have  seen  some  service,  and,  as 
we  thought,  endured  some  trials;  but  the  history 
of  our  fathers,  of  what  they  did  and  endured,  makes 
us  ashamed  of  our  complaints. 

I  choose  as  a  specimen  the  date  1830,  because  at 
this  date  the  work  was  so  definitely  marked  out  as 
to  give  a  clearer  idea  than  perhaps  at  any  time  pre- 
vious. 

At  this  time  Charles  Betts  was  in  charge  of  the 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  27 

Fayetteville  District,  which  embraced  the  pastoral 
charges  of  Fayetteville,  Bladen,  Brunswick,  Wil- 
mington, Waceamaw,  Georgetown,  Black  River, 
and  Pee  Dee. 

Hartwell  Spain  was  in  charge  of  Lincolnton  Dis 
trict,  embracing  Deep  River,  Montgomery,  Yadkin, 
Rocky  River,  Sugar  Creek,  Lincoln,  Rutherford, 
and  Morgan  ton. 

Jos.  Carson  was  Presiding  Elder  on  Neuse  Dis- 
trict, which  embraced  Raleigh,  Raleigh  Circuit, 
ISTewbern,  Trent,  Beaufort,  Straits,  Black  River. 
Top  Sail  Inlet,  Haw  River,  and  Snow  Hill. 

Moses  Brock  was  in  charge  of  Yadkin  District, 
embracingYadkin.  Iredell,  Salisbury,  Shallow  Ford, 
Franklin,  Guilford,  Caswell,  Barrister,  and  Orange. 

Roanoke  District  was  manned  by  Benjamin  De- 
vany,  and  included  Granville,  Roanoke,  Washing- 
ton, Plymouth,  Albemarle,  Banks  and  Islands, 
Portsmouth,  Neuse  and  Pamlico,  Mattamuskeet, 
and  Halifax. 

Precisely  the  extent  of  each  pastoral  charge  here 
mentioned,  and  how  many  sermons  a  week  were 
required,  and  how  many  miles  of  travel,  we  cannot 
undertake  to  say.  It  is  certain ,  however,  from  what 
we  see  that  the  work  of  a  district  at  that  day  was 
no  pastime,  and  that  of  an  ordinary  circuit  of  re- 
spectable dimensions,  according  to  the  ideas  of  the 
times,  was  but  little  better.  These  were  the  fields 
in  which  toiled  and  triumphed  such  men  as  Comp- 
ton,  Norman,  Reid,  Speck,  Brame,  Goodman,  Doub, 
and  Leigh,  all  of  whom  have  long  since  exchanged 
the  Cross  for  the  crown. 


28  The  Centennial  of 

Some  one  has  said,  that  St.  Paul  was  a  Presby- 
terian. I  am  inclined  to  believe  it:  that  is,  he  was 
a  good  Presbyterian ;  and  if  he  was  a  good  Presby- 
terian, he  was  a  good  Methodist  too.  At  any  rate, 
whatever  he  was,  he  had  some  very  strong  Method- 
ist points.  He  was  converted  very  much  after  the 
fashion  of  a  Methodist.  And  then  after  being  con- 
verted and  called  to  preach  it  did  not  take  him  long 
to  "prepare  for  the  ministry."  Then  his  zeal  for 
the  ministry — his  counting  "  all  things  but  loss  for 
the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ " — his 
eagerness  to  preach  the  gospel  everywhere,  to  every- 
body, to  go  and  preach  even  at  Rome,  and  in  the 
"regions  beyond" — his  disposition  to  preach  rather 
than  to  baptize,  to  preach  Christ  and  nothing  but 
Christ,  "  to  know  nothing  but  Christ  and  him  cruci- 
fied " — his  desire  to  build  on  his  own  foundation, 
and  not  that  of  another:—  that  is,  to  carry  the  gos- 
pel where  it  had  not  gone  rather  than  to  build  up 
a  church  by  proselyting  the  members  of  other 
churches : — all  these  points  in  Paul's  history  and 
character  remind  me  very  forcibly  of  the  early  Meth- 
odist preachers;  or  rather  all  these  points  in  their 
history  and  character  remind  me  of  St.  Paul. 

What  was  there  on  earth  too  dear  to  them  to  be 
sacrificed  for  the  sake  of  Christ  ? 

They  loved  the  quiet  and  happiness  of  home  as 
well  as  other  men.  They  loved  their  families  and 
friends  as  well.  They  loved  father  and  mother  as 
well.  They  loved  life  as  well.  Yet.  like  Paul,  they 
counted  all  these  things  "as  loss  for  the  excellency 
of  the  knowledge  of  Christ;"  neither  counted  they 
their  lives  dear,  if  they  might  win  Christ. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  29 

Who  shall  draw  in  colors  deep  enough  the  youth- 
ful itinerant's  first  heart-struggle  between  duty  and 
love? 

His  horse  is  at  the  door.  The  hour,  the  moment- 
ous hour,  has  come.  Now  he  is  to  go.  Home  is 
dear,  clearer  now  than  ever;  but  it  is  to  be  home  no 
more.  He  may  think  of  home,  he  may  dream  of 
home,  but  it  is  to  be  forever  only  as  a  thing  that  is 
gone.  It  is  the  last  moment.  A  mother's  arm  is 
about  his  neck ;  a  mother's  kiss  is  on  his  brow,  and 
O,  there  is  a  tear  in  his  mother's  eye — the  index  to 
a  grief  that  only  tears  can  express. 

It  is  with  him  the  hour  of  bitterness ;  but  the 
hand  of  God  is  on  him.  He  mounts  and  plunges 
into  the  wilderness,  a  wanderer  with  no  abiding 
place.  He  journeys  on  like  Jacob,  and  at  night,  it 
may  be,  like  Jacob,  lays  himself  down  upon  the 
giound,  his  pillow  a  stone.  Ay,  like  Jacob,  he  may 
dream,  and  lo  !  a  ladder  reaching  the  heavens,  and 
a  vision  of  angels.  Or  like  one  greater  than  Jacob, 
he  may  encounter  the  Tempter  in  the  wilderness, 
with  no  weapons  of  defense  but  the  shield  of  Faith 
and  the  sword  of  the  Spirit. 

Be  it  as  it  may,  vision  of  angels,  or  fiery  darts  of 
Apolyon,  it  ends  in  a  new  covenant'with  God,  and 
with  new  strength  and  kindling  zeal  he  goes  for- 
ward. The  last  natural  tie  is  severed,  the  last 
earthly  ambition  is  immolated  at  the  Cross.  Hence- 
forth he  is  God's,  soul  and  body — God's  herald  to 
go,  go,  go,  and  cry  everywhere,  "  The  Cross,  the 
Cross.'' 

But  I  have  another  vision.     It  is  of  the  old  man. 


30  The  Centennial  of 

He  lias  grown  old  in  the  ministry.  He  is  the  old 
preacher. 

Once  he  was  young.  Then  it  was,  in  the  very 
spring-time  of  life — the  time  of  bnds  and  flowers — 
that  he  layed  all  on  the  altar.  His  young,  manly 
strength  in  its  vigor  and  prime  :  his  fine,  promising 
talents  which  augured  nothing  hut  greatness  and 
distinction  :  all  the  vast  possibilities  of  mind  and 
soul  he  brought,  without  reserve,  in  life's  bright 
morning,  and  laid  at  the  foot  of  the  Cross.  He  has 
watched  the  march  of  whole  generations.  The 
friends  of  his  youth  are  all  gone.  Their  children 
have  come  forth  and  passed  him,  and  he  has  pointed 
them  on  to  the  city  ahead,  with  a  steady  finger. 
They  have  entered  their  glory  but  he  still  lingers 
below. 

Xow  he  is  old.  They  say  he  has  lost  the  vigor 
of  his  youth.  Ah,  yes.  But  he  once  had  it.  There 
was  a  day  when  he  was  a  giant.  There  was  a  day 
when  the  strong-holds  of  sin  trembled  under  his 
strokes.  Then  he  was  young,  and  strong,  and 
mighty.  Then  he  brought  all  those  great  capaci- 
ties and  gave  them  to  God.     But  now  he  is  old.- 

They  say  the  fire  of  his  youth  has  gone  out.  Ah, 
yes.  But  it  once  burned.  O,  how  it  blazed !  How 
it  kindled!  How  it  mounted!  How  it  glowed 
around  the  Cross!  How  it  caught  from  heart  to 
heart,  and  ran  and  spread  till  all  about  him  was  on 
fire ! 

But  now  he  is  old  ! 

They  say  he  is  not  attractive  now.  His  fancy  is 
tame.     His  imagination  has  lost  its  eagle   wings. 


Methodism  in  Kortii  Carolina.  31 

He  is  dull  now.  He  does  not  soar  as  in  other  days. 
Ah !  he  was  young  then,  and  gifted.  Then  he  had 
visions  of  God,  and  he  drew  aside  the  curtains  now 
and  then,  and  revealed  glimpses  of  heaven.  And 
men  admired,  and  some  trembled,  and  some  wept, 
and  some  rejoiced. 

But  he  is  old  now,  and  poor  ;  for  he  has  given  all 
to  God,  and  the  world  calls  him  poor. 

And  he  is  feeble.  His  limbs  shake.  His  hand  is 
not  steady.  His  eye  is  dull,  his  thoughts  clumsy 
and  slow.  Men  are  impatient  and  they  turn  away, 
and  they  do  not  want  him  for  a  pastor  any  longer, 
and  do  not  want  to  hear  him  any  more,  and  they 
say.  it  is  time  to  "  lay  him  aside." 

The  old  man  has  reached  the  climax  of  his  sor- 
rows at  last.  This  is  the  last  and  bitterest  drop  <>f 
the  cup.  It  was  once  a  great  trial  to  take  up  the 
Cross.  It  is  now  a  greater  to  lay  it  down.  He  has 
climbed  the  rugged  mountains,  traversed  the  desert, 
encountered  the  storms,  shivered  in  the  cold,  faced 
every  danger,  endured  every  trial,  carried  every  sor- 
row; but  no  rugged  mountain,  nor  dreary  desert, 
nor  driving  storm,  nor  shivering  blast,  nor  threa- 
tening danger,  nor  privation,  nor  grief,  ever  brought 
sadness  so  heavy,  or  sorrow  so  deep,  or  shadow  so 
dark  as  this  one  word,  "  laid  aside." 

It  is  the  devoted  soul's  last  agony.  Under  it  he 
sinks  who  never  sunk  under  the  weight  of  any  cross, 
and  in  despair  he  prays  "  Let  me  cease  at  once  to 
work  and  live.'1 

But  what  think  ye?  Does  he  now,  old  and  ne- 
glected,   "  laid  aside,"  asthey  say,  worn  out  with 


32  The  Centennial  of 

hard,  faithful  service,  and  poor :  does  he  now  charge 
himself  with  folly  ?  Does  he  regret  that  he  preached 
the  gospel  %  Does  he  repudiate  that  Cross  he  has 
borne  so  many  weary  years,  and  which,  like  his 
Master,  he  must  now  lay  upon  another?  ISTot  he. 
He  would  traverse  the  same  weary  road  again,  and 
bear  the  same  Cross.  If  he  could  renew  his  youth 
he  would  seek  no  other  field.  He  would  fly  to  the 
frontiers  again.  The  pioneer  spirit  of  St.  Paul 
would  carry  him  where'  no  herald  of  the  cross  had 
ever  gone.  He  would  seek,  enjoy  again,  the  singu- 
lar triumph  of  singing  the  first  song,  and  praying 
the  first  prayer  in  the  hunter's  wild  home.  Even 
now  from  the  verge  of  the  grave,  to  the  eye  of*  his 
faith  "  the  regions  beyond  "  are  like  the  mountains 
of  Canaan  to  the  eye  of  Moses  when  he  saw  them 
from  Pisgah's  top.  They  are  the  regions  which  he 
once  hoped  to  enter  some  day  in  triumph.  But  age 
and  exhaustion  have  come  too  soon.  jSTevertheless, 
his  natural  zeal  is  not  abated — his  faith  is  not 
shaken — his  love  is  not  chilled.  He  only  yields  to 
the  stern  mandate  of  a  sovereign  Providence,  "  Go 
get  thee  up  and  die."  He  gives  place,  because  he 
must,  to  some  Joshua  who  shall  lead  on  the  con- 
quering host  to  final  conrpest. 

But  these  descriptions  are  too  general.  They 
have  their  applications,  in  many  points,  to  some  of 
our  gospel  heroes  of  the  present  day  ;  for  we  have 
them  yet,  and  not  a  few,  both  young  and  old,  and 
long  may  they  live  to  give  Methodism  her  nerves 
and  sinews,  her  power  and  effectiveness.  She  can- 
not dispense  with  them  yet;  for  she  is  yet  only  a 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  33 

child.  Her  bloom  of  youth  and  her  strength  of 
maturity  are  yet  to  come.  Those  who  celebrate  her 
next  centennial  may  behold  her,  a  beautiful  maiden 
almost  ready  to  assume  her  sceptre  over  a  subju- 
gated world.  The  same  heroic,  self-sacrificing  spirit 
which  has  brought  her  through  the  past  century  in 
health,  must  lead  her  through  the  next,  and  crown 
her  in  the  day  of  her  victory. 

That  spirit  is  in  her  to-day,  the  main-spring  of  her 
grand  movements,  the  impulse  of  her  progress. 
In  proportion  as  that  spirit  continues  to  live  and 
kindle  will  she  continue  to  advance  her  out-posts, 
to  lengthen  her  lines,  to  throw  forward  her  pickets, 
to  march  to  conquest.  It  is  the  spirit  which  lives 
and  acts  for  the  future.  This  was  the  spirit  of  our 
fathers.  It  was  not  for  what  they  should  see  and 
enjoy  that  they  sacrificed  and  suffered ;  but  for 
what  they  might  transmit  to  those  who  should  come 
after  them.  It  was  a  vision  of  faith  that  drew  them 
on.  It  was  the  distant  glory  of  the  promised  in- 
heritance. 

Let  us  draw  a  little  closer  to  these  men  of  fifty 
and  one  hundred  years  ago.  How  did  they  travel? 
We  travel  in  splendid  coaches  now,  not  even  drawn 
by  noble  steeds — not  three  or  four  miles  per  hour, 
but  twenty  or  thirty.  Cold  and  storm  and  gloomy 
night  are  nothing  to  us.  Our  heads  recline  on 
cushions  while  iron  wheels  roll  us  away  a  thousand 
miles.  The  swollen,  turbid  streams  fret  and  thun- 
der angrily,  but  harmlessly  beneath  us,  while  we 
sleep  on.  But  how  fared  the  pioneer  preacher  a 
hundred  years  ago  ?  How  did  he  manage  to  sweep 
5 


84  The  Centennial  of 

round  his  large  circuit  embracing  what  is  now  in- 
cluded in  five,  ten,  or  twenty  counties?  How  did 
he  traverse  his  dis  rict  including  the  half  or  whole 
of  a  common  State. 

How  did  the  Bishop  visit  the  distant  parts  of  his 
extensive  diocese  reaching  from  Canada  to  New 
Orleans?  How  did  they  pass  the  swollen  streams 
unhridged  and  angry?  Where  did  they  lodge? 
Where  did  they  prea  h? 

Happy  he  who  was  borne  by  noble  steed,  or  found 
a  friend  in  the  highway  haekman  !  Happy  he  who 
chanced  to  meet  a  friendly  welcome  at  the  humble 
door  of  some  frontier  settler!  Happy  he  who  was 
not  swept  from  his  saddle  by  the  surging  waters  ! 
Even  a  Bishop  did  not  hesitate  to  be  found  in  the 
saddle,  and,  least  of  all,  did  the  Bishop  hesitate  to 
swim  in  order  to  reach  his  appointment. 

They  went  to  Conference  on  horse-back.  From 
al!  parts  they  come,  far  or  near.  They  set  out,  one 
alone.  Joined  by  another  they  two  journeyed  to- 
gether. Like  the  men  of  Eramans  they  communed 
together  of  the  things  which  had  happened,  and  it 
was  no  uncommon  thing  for  Jesus  to  "draw  near, 
and  walk  with  them."''  As  they  advanced  the  num- 
ber increased.  Wherever  they  lodged  at  night  some 
one  preached.  Xo  time  was  to  be  lost,  no  oppor- 
tunity wasted.  The  work  was  great — the  time  was 
short — the  laborers  were  few.  They  sowed  the  fire 
all  the  way  to  Conference,  no  matter  how  long  the 
journey.  The  longer  the  journey,  the  longer  the 
luminous  trial  of  flaming  truth  they  left  behind 
them.     At  Conference  all  the  streams  met  flowing 


Methodism  nsr  >.'oeth  Carolina.  35 

together  from  all  directions.  It  was  a  union  of 
hearts  as  well  as  hands — of  hea  t-  all  on  fire,  and 
ready  to  weld.  They  flowed  together  united  in  love 
and  common  sympathy.  They  flowed  together  in 
prayer — they  flowed  together  in  sung,  unitedly  they 
preached.  The  theme  was  one,  "Christ  and  the 
Cross."  The  aim  was  one — the  salvation  of  men. 
They  told  of  their  struggles  and  their  triumphs — 
their  conflicts  and  their  victories.  Together  they 
sorrowed,  together  they  wept,  together  they  rejoiced, 
and  together  they  pledged  anew  their  undying  fealty 
to  Christ  around  the  sacrimental  board.'  Together 
they  sang  as  only  such  men  could  sing 

"  Jesus  accept  the  praise 

That  to  thy  name  belongs ! 

Matter  of  all  our  lays, 

Subject  of  all  our  songs; 
Through  thee  we  now  together  come, 
And  part  exulting  in  thy  n»me. 

In  flesh  we  part  awhile, 

But  still  in  spirit  joined, 

T'  embrace  the  happy  toil 

Thou  hast  to  each  assigned ; 
And  while  Ave  do  thy  blessed  will 
We  bear  our  heaven  about  us  still. 

O  let  us  thus  go  on 

In  all  thy  pleasant  ways, 

And  armed  with  patience  run 

With  joy  the  appointed  race! 
Keep  us  and  every  seeking  soul 
Till  all  attain  the  heavenly  goal. 


36  The  Centennial  of 

There  we  shall  meet  again, 
When  all  our  toils  are  o'er, 
And  death,  and  grief,   and  pain, 
And  parting  are  no  more : 
We  shall  with  all  our  brethren  rise, 
And  grasp  thee  in  the  flaming  skies. 

O  happy,  happy  day, 
That  calls  thy  exiles  home! 
The  heavens  shall  pass  away, 
The  earth  receive  its  doom. 
Earth  we  shall  view,  and  heaven  destroyed, 
And  shout  above  the  fiery  void. 

These  eyes  shall  see  them  fall, 

Mountains,  and  stars,  and  skies! 

These  eyes  shall  see  them  all 

Out  of  their  ashes  rise ! 
These  lips  His  praises  shall  rehearse, 
Whose  nod  restores  the  universe. 

According  to  his  word — 
His  oath  to  sinners  given, 
We  look  to  see  restored 
The  ruined  earth  and  heaven ! 
In  a  new  world  his  truth  to  prove, 
A  world  of  righteousness  and  love. 

Then  let  us  wait,  the  sound 
That  shall  our  souls  release, 
And  labor  to  be  found 
Of  him  in  spotless  peace : — 

In  perfect  holiness  renewed; 

Adorned  with  Christ  and  meet  for  God." 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  37 

So  sang  the  men  who  lived  in  the  clays  that  tried 
men's  souls,  and  they  meant  and  felt  what  they  sang ; 
and  as  they  sang  they  turned  their  eyes  to  their  new 
field,  and  their  hearts  grew  stronger.  Another  cam- 
paign planned,  another  scene  of  sacrifice  and  holy 
toil,  to  some  indeed  the  last ! 

On  horsehack  again,  swimming  creeks  and  rivers, 
sleeping  in  the  woods,  preaching  in  small  school- 
houses  and  bush  arbors,  skirmishing  round  the  front- 
iers, searching  out  the  scattered  settlers  to  tell  them 
that  they  have  sonls  to  save,  and  that  Jesus  is  a 
Saviour,  preaching  and  praying  where  man  never 
preached  or  prayed  before,  they  plant  the  Church 
in  the  vale  and  on  the  mountain,  in  the  hedge  and 
by  the  highway  with  a  zeal  and  fortitude  that  finds 
a  parallel  no  where  this  side  the  days  of  martyrdom. 

I  am  aware  that  in  speaking  of  the  pioneer  preach- 
ers of  North  Carolina  I  have  only  said  what  might 
be  said  of  all  pioneer  Methodist  preachers.  It  could 
not  be  otherwise,  for  they  are  all  cast  in  the  same 
mold.  They  are  the  same  in  every  age  and  country. 
They  are  imbued  with  the  same  spirit,  dwell  upon 
the  same  theme,  have  the  same  object  in  view,  have 
learned  in  the  same  school,  encounter  the  same  dif- 
ficulties, pass  through  the  same  trials,  and  triumph 
by  the  same  fortitude  and  faith.  "They  be  breth- 
ren," and  whoever  writes  the  history  of  one,  writes 
the  history  of  all.  To  declare  them  faultless,  to  re- 
gard them  as  the  greatest  or  best  of  men,  would  be 
absurd.  But  whatever  may  have  been  their  faults 
or  their  follies,  the  facts  in  their  history  and  their 
subsequent  developments  justify  us  in  saying  that 


38  The  Centennial  of 

they  were  eminently  the  men  for  the  times  in  which 
they  lived. 

And  now,  as  we  their  natural  and  spiritual  child- 
ren and  successors,  enter  upon  the  promising  cam- 
paign of  another  century  we  can  do  them  no  greater 
honor  than  to  emulate  their  example  in  faith,  forti- 
tude, and  progress,  to  prove  ourselves  he  men  for 
the  times  in  which  we  live.  They  took  the  world 
as  they  found  it,  and  adapted  themselves,  not  to  its 
follies,  but  to  its  wants.  We  must  do  the  same  if 
we  would  be  worthy  of  our  ancestors.  Could  we 
commune  with  them  to-day  in  their  spirit  homes, 
they  would  not  have  us  roll  the  car  of  Methodism 
backward,  but  forward.  They  would  say,  as  Jeho- 
vah said  to  Moses,  "Speak  unto  the  children  of  Is- 
rael that  they  go  forward."  They  left  their  beloved 
Methodism  in  the  front  rank  of  God's  sacrimental 
host  doing  the  work  of  evangelization,  pressing  like 
the  morning  star  hard  upon  the  retiring  darkness  of 
moral  night;  and  they  would  conjure  us  by  the 
love  we  bear  their  memory,  and  by  the  glory  of  the 
Cross,  never  to  draw  in  her  picket  lines  till  her  light 
shall  go  forth  as  the  brightness  of  the  morning,  and 
her  standard  shall  triumph  in  every  land. 

At  the  close  of  President  Robey's  Address,  the 
choir  sang  an  athem — -after  which  Bishop  Marvin 
introduced  W.  C.  Doub,  A.  M.,  Professor  in  Greens- 
boro1 Female  College,  who  addressed  the  audience 
on  the  same  theme,  viz : 


Methodism  in  North  Carollna.  39 

"the  pioneer  preachers  and  laymen    of   north 
carolina their  struggles  and  triumphs." 

Prof.  Doub  said  : 

Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  : 

Our  pioneer  fathers  of  1776,  where  are  they? 
What  tongue  has  embalmed  in  fitting  words  their 
precious  memories?  What  bard  has  eel e  rated  in 
lofty  verse  their  heroic  deeds,  their  struggles  and 
triumphs?  Who  has  hewed  out  for  them  their  sep- 
ulchres? Who  has  erected  the  lofty  shaft  towering 
towards  the  skies  to  perpetuate  their  names  to  all 
succeeding  ages?  What  monumental  bronze,  or 
glittering  marble  has  proclaimed  to  the  world,  that, 
in  the  throes  of  a  revolution  that  rocked  the  social 
fabric  to  its  lowest  foundations,  a  race  of  heroes 
sprang  up  greater  than  an  Alexander  who  overran 
a  world  and  subdued  all  its  peoples  to  his  sway  for 
his  own  glory  ;  more  deserving  of  lasting  remem- 
brance than  a  Caesar,  a  Hannibal,  or  a  Scipio ; 
grander  in  al  the  elements  that  conspire  to  form  the 
heroic  character,  than  a  Cromwell,  or  a  Napoleon, 
who  for  purposes  of  personal  glory,  did  not  hesitate 

"To  wade  through  slaughter  to  a  throne  ?" 

Who  of  their  successors  can  point  to  the  last  rest- 
ing places  of .  hese  dead  heroes  ?  Who  can  tell  where 
their  precious  ashes  repose  ?  Who  knows  their 
names  even  ?  Who  can  point  out  with  accuracy  or 
describe  with  precision  the  scenes  of  their  labors, 
and  gather  up  and  garner  the  fruits  of  their  toils  and 


40  The  Centennial  of 

sacrifices?  Who  can  paint  the  clangers  that  sur- 
rounded their  pathways,  or  depict  the  sombre,  threat- 
ening skies  that  lowered  over  them  ?  Who  can  de- 
lineate the  bows  of  promise  that  arched  the  storms 
that  beat  upon  them,  or  give  a  voice  to  the  thunders 
that  pealed  above  and  around  them  ?  Who  can 
mingle  in  the  joys  that  filled  their  overflowing  cups, 
or  measure  the  faith  and  the  courage  that  swelled 
their  heroic  breasts  ?  Who  can  tell  the  friends  that 
wiped  the  death-damp  from  their  dying  brows,  and 
bore  them  company  into  that  flood  that  separates 
the  heavenly  land  from  onrs  ? 

Did  earth  ever  witness  more  heroic  struggles  than 
theirs?  In  the  long  and  varying  and  shifting  an- 
nals of  the  world's  centuries,  who  have  deserved 
better  of  their  race  than  these  self-denying,  devoted 
heroes?  Where  can  we  find  a  parallel  to  their 
labors,  their  toils,  their  dangers,  their  sacrifices? 
What  blood-stained  heroes  in  all  the  ages  of  time 
can  stand  side  by  side  with  these  unknown,  obscure 
men,  and  claim  to  have  been  equal  benefactors  to  the 
human  race?  Ye  warriors,  ye  statesmen,  ye  pala- 
dins of  chivalry,  where  is  your  claim  to  the  love  and 
honor  of  the  race  when  set  beside  the  unrecorded 
claims  of  these  modest,  self-renonncing  preachers? 
The  pages  of  earthly  history  have  handed  down 
your  deeds  of  blood  to  posterity,  and  rendered  your 
names  and  actions  illustrious  to  future  ages;  they 
have  sunk  into  obscure,  unknown,  and  forgotten 
graves  ;  but  the  good  they  did  lives  after  them,  and 
though  man  may  not  bestow  upon  them  the  honors 
due  their  great  deeds,  yet  not  one  of  them  has  failed 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina  41 

of  his  reward  in  the  eyes  of  1  lis  great  "  Task-master," 

or  will  be  forgotten  in  the  day  of  the  great  reckon- 
er "  ' 

ing.  The  influence  of  their  actions,  though  not  dis- 
tinctly traceable,  and  incapable  of  separation  from 
the  sum  total  of  the  grand  improvement  experienced 
by  the  human  family  in  the  last  one  hundred  years, 
will  not  cease  to  be  felt  down  to  the 

"Last  syllable  of  recorded  time.'-' 

In  grateful  recognition  of  the  good  they  have 
transmitted  to  us,  and  the  blessings  we  now  so  hap- 
pily enjoy  from  their  efforts,  be  it  our  pleasing  task 
to  gather  up  the  scattered  fragments  of  history 
which  may  renew  their  memories  to  this  generation, 
and  perpetuate  to  succeeding  ones  the  record  of  un- 
exampled efforts  in  unexplored  fields. 

Preaching  the  gospel  to  dying  men,  is  a  grand,  a 
noble,  a  glorious  work.  Man  could  aspire  to  noth- 
ing higher,  it  might  even  be  counted  worthy  of  an- 
gelic mission,  for  the  Son  of  God  himself  deigned 
to  take  upon  himself  the  form  of  man,  and  in  human 
guise  to  work  out  a  place  for  man's  salvation  from 
the  fetters  of  sin,  and  for  his  restoration  to  the  favor 
and  affection  of  heaven.  Ever  since  His  ascension 
to  glory,  He  has  not  been  without  faithful  ministers 
to  go  out  into  all  the  world,  to  teach  the  nations, 
to  call  them  to  repentance  and  faith,  and  to  preach 
the  glorious  coming  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ  to  judge  the  world  in  equity  and  truth. 
Wherever  man  has  gone,  the  word  has  in  some  way 
reached  him,  and  added  ages  have  only  accumula- 
ted the  instrumentalities  employed  to  regenerate 
6 


42  The  Centennial  op 

mankind.  The  workmen  have  fallen,  bnt  others 
have  risen  up  to  take  their  places.  Persecution, 
dangers,  troubles,  difficulties  and  even  death  have 
threatened  destruction  to  the  faithful  servants  of 
God,  and  to  stop  the  progress  of  their  glorious  work, 
but  it  has  still  gone  on.  and  to-day  has  larger  suc- 
cess than  ever  before. 

In  all  the  annals  of  the  world's  history,  the  labors 
of  no  more  devoted  men  have  been  recounted,  than 
of  those  who  as  pioneers  introduced  Methodism  into 
the  States  of  Virginia,  North  and  South  Carolina. 
Pioneer  work  for  worldly  gain  and  establishment  is 
but  rough  work — under  the  most  favorable  circum 
stances  it  is  enough  to  cause  the  stoutest  heart  and 
boldest  hand  to  pause — but  pioneer  work  is  heroic 
work,  and  such  as  venture  into  it  are  of  the  heroic 
mould,  and  leave  the  impress  of  their  character  and 
their  acts  upon  the  age  in  which  they  live  and  the 
country  that  gave  them  being. 

But  the  pioneer  preachers,  in  worldly  estimation, 
were  engaged  in  a  quixotic  cause.  Whether  we 
consider  the  difficulties  that  were  in  their  way;  the 
appalling  dangers  that  beset  their  pathway  ;  the 
labors,  toils  and  privations  they  had  to  endure;  the 
obstacles  constantly  thrown  before  them  ;  their  slen- 
der means,  or  the  inadequate  preparation  they  may 
have  had  for  this  great  work,  we  know  not  whether 
we  should  be  more  astonished  that  mortal  men 
should  engage  in  such  unpromising  or  even  forbid- 
ding enterprises,  or  amazed  at  their  unexampled 
and  extensive  success. 
No  braver  or  more  daring  deeds  were  ever  achieved 


Methodism  in-  North  Carolina.  43 

than  by  these  pioneer  ministers  who  fir  t  threaded 
these  wilderness  lands  and  risked  all  the  dangers  of 
the  way,  as  well  as  from  the  people,  and  that  too 
not  for  personal  promotion,  or  to  establish  a  claim 
for  personal  prowess,  but  at  their  own  hazard  and 
expense  almost,  to  seek  out  the  lost  and  the  dying, 
to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  give  light  to  the 
blind,  to  unstop  the  ears  of  the  deaf,  to  subdue  the 
rebellious  to  the  peaceable  kingdom  of  Christ,  to 
cheer  the  disconsolate  and  sorrowful,  to  open  fount- 
ains of  joy  and  gladness  in  the  wilderness,  to  cause 
the  desert  to  blossom  as  the  rose,  and  to  establish 
the  glorious  reign  of  righteousness  and  brotherly 
love  throughout  the  land.  A  burning  desire  to 
benefit  and  elevate  the  human  race,  swayed  them 
as  with  a  resistless  impulse.  Terrible  denuncia- 
tions confronted  them  if  they  faltered  in  the  con- 
flict; despair  in  this  life  and  awful  destruction  in 
the  life  to  come  awaited  them  if  they  failed  to  "  quit 
themselves  like  men  "  in  this  glorious  contest.  But 
they  meant  not  to  fail ;  they  knew  not  to  falter. 
Relying  upon  an  arm  stronger  than  man's,  and  sup- 
ported by  a  power  omnipotent  and  sure,  the  war- 
fare was  to  have  no  doubtful  issue,  but  they  felt 
that  a  glorious  victory  was  just  before  them,  and 
they  pushed  with  energy  and  courage  onward.  They 
knew  that  their  Father  had  laid  up  for  them  the 
amplest  rewards.  If  it  were  toil  in  this  life,  it  would 
be  rest  in  the  life  to  come;  if  it  were  danger  and 
death  here,  it  would  be  peace  and  eternal  life  over 
yonder;  if  it  were  wounds  and  bruises  and  con- 
tumely and  reproach,  degradation   and  sufferings, 


44  The  Centennial  of 

the  sneers  and  ridicule  of  mortals,  in  this  world,  in 
the  world  to  come  it  would  be  a  crown  of  glory, 
the  everlasting  plaudits  of  the  redeemed,  and  the 
approbation  of  the  Lord  of  all.  Say  not,  then,  that 
they  had  not  motives  high  as  heaven,  as  broad  as 
earth,  to  push  them  forward  in  this  glorious  work. 
We  cannot  say  with  absolute  certainty  who  was 
the  first  Methodist  preacher  to  set  his  foot  upon  the 
soil  of  North  Carolina.  We  think  we  can  give  strong 
proofs  to  show  that  it  was  he  who  first  introduced 
Methodism  into  Virginia;  but  no  historian,  either 
religious  or  secular,  lias  handed  down  to  us  positive 
evidence  as  to  the  first  pioneer  to  our  shores.  From 
the  year  1739,  when  Methodism  first  began  its  work 
in  England,  Mr.  Wesley  was  continually,  during  a 
long  and  laborious  life,  entering  into  all  doors  opened 
up  to  him  by  Providence,  or  he  was  thrusting  others 
forth  into  this  work.  Some  time  before  the  com- 
mencement of  our  revolutionary  struggles,  there 
were,  in  several  parts  of  North  Carolina,  amongst 
our  Presbyterian  brethren,  those  who  styled  them- 
selves "New  School."  or  followers  of  Whitfield,  the 
early  friend  and  coadjutor  of  the  Wesley s.  Whit- 
field had  blazed  like  a  meteor  throughout  the  length 
and  breadth  of  the  colonies,  and  had  wonderfully 
impressed  the  people  by  his  eloquence,  zeal  and  self- 
devotion.  Presbyterians  from  Virginia,  Pennsyl- 
vania, as  well  as  from  Scotland  and  the  Nor  h  of 
Ireland,  were  stretched  along  on  the  borders  of  civil- 
ization from  the  Roanoke  to  the  Catawba.  The 
Scotch  Presbyterians,  after  the  fatal  battle  of  Cullo- 
den  had  overthrown  the  hopes  of  the  Chevalier  St. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  45 

George,  were  driven  from  their  homes  in  considera- 
ble numbers,  and  settled  upon  the  waters  of  the 
Cape  Fear  ;  some  Huguenots  and  Palatines,  fleeing 
from  persecution  after  the  revocation  of  the  Edict 
of  N antes,  had  come  to  the  eastern  part  of  the  State 
about  the  waters  of  the  Pamlico  and  the  ]STeuse ; 
large  settlements  of  Quakers,  fleeing  from  the  strin- 
gent laws  of  other  colonies,  were  made  upon  the 
Albemarle  Sound  and  in  Guilford,  Wayne  and  Ran- 
dolph counties ;  the  Moravians  had  formed  a  com- 
munity of  German  immigrants  with  Salem  as  their 
centre;  whilst  other  portions  of  the  State  had  been 
peopled  by  colonists  encouraged  to  emigrate  thither 
by  liberal  grants  from  the  Lords  Proprietors.  None 
of  these,  so  far  as  we  know,  brought  with  them  a 
knowledge  of  the  religious  movement  c  lied  Meth- 
odism, or  gave  it  any  welcome  when,  in  later  years, 
it  was  introduced  by  others. 

Prior  and  up  to  1773,  Capt.  Webb,  Messrs.  Em- 
bury, Boardman  and  Pilmoor,  and  Thomas  Rankin, 
George  Shadford  and  Francis  Asbury  had  preached 
with  considerable  success  in  New  York,  Philadel- 
phia, and  portions  of  New  Jersey,  Delaware  and 
Pennsylvania;  and  Strawbridge,  Richard  Wright, 
Robert  Williams  and  others  in  Maryland  and  Vir- 
ginia. We  are  not  positively  informed  whether,  as 
early  as  this  date,  a  Methodist  preacher  had  ever 
penetrated  as  far  as  the  unknown  wilds  of  North 
Carolina,  but  there  are  facts  that  go  to  prove  that 
very  shortly  afterwards  our  State  was  favored  with 
the  labors  of  some  of  these  evangelical  preachers, 
for  we  have  soon  afterwards  members  reported  from 


46  The  Centennial  of 

the  State,  and  Methodists  are  noticed  by  secular 
historians.  In  addition  to  the  probable  visit  of 
Whitfield  some  years  before,  heretofore  alluded  to, 
Mr.  Pilmoor,  during  this  period,  made  a  preaching 
tour  through  the  State  on  his  way  to  Charleston, 
and  thus  the  people  called  Methodists  came  first  to 
be  heard  of  in  our  borders. 

The  first  Conference,  the  printed  minutes  inform 
us,  was  held  in  Philadelphia,  June,  1773.  At  that 
Conference  preachers  were  appointed  to  New  York, 
Philadelphia,  New  Jersey,  Baltimore,  Norfolk  and 
Petersburg.  Ten  preachers  were  stationed,  and  one 
hundred  members  were  reported  from  Virginia,  and 
eleven  hundred  and  sixty  from  the  whole  country. 
The  next  year  seventeen  preachers  were  stationed, 
and  returns  of  members  were  made  from  Norfolk 
and  Brunswick  amounting  to  two  hundred  and 
ninety-one,  and  three  preachers  were  sent  to  the 
Brunswick  Circuit  who,  doubtless,  did  not  confine 
themselves  to  the  State  of  Virginia,  but,  in  all  prob- 
ability, crossed  over  the  line  and  preached  in  the 
adjacent  parts  of  North  Carolina ;  for,  in  1775,  we 
find  an  increase  of  six  hundred  and  thirty-four  mem- 
bers in  Brunswick  and  Norfolk,  and,  in  the  next 
year  (1776),  the  year  that  Carolina  Circuit  first  ap- 
pears on  the  minutes,  besides  seventeen  hundred 
and  thirty-six  members  reported  from  Brunswick 
and  Norfolk,  six  hundred  and  eighty-three  reported 
from  North  Carolina ;  showing  thus  very  clearly  that 
Methodism  must  have  been  introduced  and  that 
Methodist  preachers  must  have  labored  in  North 
Carolina  prior  to  1776,  and  even  to  1775,  for  we 


Methodism  in  .Nokth  Carolina.  47 

should  scarcely  expect  an  accession  of  nearly  seven 
hundred  members  in  a  new  field  in  one  year,  and 
that  year  the  pioneer  year. 

We  find  this  conjecture  strengthened  by  other 
historians  than  our  own.  Foote,  in  his  "Sketches 
of  North  Carolina,"  principally  in  the  interest  and 
commemoration  of  the  Presbyterians  in  the  State, 
incidentally  states  that  there  was  a  Methodist  min- 
ister in  the  first  Provincial  Congress  that  met  in 
Hillsboro',  August  20th,  1775.  This  minister  was 
Green  Hill,  from  the  County  of  Bute,  afterwards 
divided  into  the  counties  of  Warren  and  Franklin, 
Mr.  Hill,  I  believe,  living  in  that  portion  that  was 
named  Franklin.  Col.  Wheeler,  in  his  history  of 
North  Carolina,  says  the  Provincial  Congress  met  in 
Newbern  on  the  25th  of  August,  1774,  that  Green 
Hill  was  one  of  the  representatives  from  Bute 
county,  as  he  was  of  the  Provincial  Congress  that 
met  in  Halifax,  the  4th  of  April  1776,  and  that  he 
was  elected  by  that  Congress  the  2nd  Major  of  the 
regiment  to  be  raised  from  Bute  county,  and,  as  it 
was  significantly  declared  that  there  were  "no  to- 
nes in  that  county,  "  we  may  readily  infer  that  he 
was  a  staunch  friend  of  liberty,  a  christian  hero 
and  patriot,  as  have  been  his  worthy  decendants 
after  him. 

So  we  may  conclude  that  it  is  pretty  certain  that 
Methodism  had  been  proclaimed  in  North  Carolina 
several  years  prior  to  the  appearance  of  "  Carolina  " 
and  "  Roanoke  "  Circuits  upon  the  minutes.  Who 
first  came  over  our  borders  to  preach  this  new  form 
of  gospel  truth   to  our  people?     Who  first  dared  to 


48  The  Centennial  of 

set  up  the  standard  of  this  despised  people  upon 
our  soil  ?  Let  us  see  if  these  questions  can  be  an- 
swered with  any  degree  of  satisfaction. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Williams  first  introduced  Meth- 
odism into  Vifff  nia.  He  landed  in  Norfolk  some 
time  in  the  year  1772,  and,  in  all  probability, 
preached  the  first  sermon  ever  preached  by  a  Meth- 
odist in  the  State  ot  North  Carolina.  At  the  Con- 
ference of  1773,  before  referred  to,  he  was  sent  to 
Petersburg,  and  Richard  Wright  to  Norfolk.  It  is 
believed  that  Mr.  Williams  spent  part  of  that  year 
in  forming  societies  in  portions  of  North  Carolina 
bordering  upon  the  Roanoke,  as  the  Rev.  Devereux 
Jarratt,  that  great  evangelical  preacher  of  the  estab- 
lished Church,  who  so  much  assisted  our  pioneers 
in  "deepening  and  spreading  the  word  of  God,1'  says 
that  many  "societies"  were  organized  in  his  parish, 
"  and  oilier  places  as  far  as  North  Carolina." 

Assuming  this  declaration  to  be  true,  literally 
true,  we  think  we  are  justified  in  the  conclusion 
that  Robert  Williams  was  the  first  to  introduce 
Methodism  into  our  State,  and  thus  to  lay  the  foun- 
dation for  a  work  that  has  spread  through  our  bor- 
ders from  seashore  to  mountain-top. 

Robert  Williams  was  an  Englishman  by  birth. 
He  was  licensed  to  preach  by  Mr.  Wesley  and  sent 
by  him  over  to  Ireland.  Thence  he  came  over  to 
New  York,  and  finally  to  Virginia  and  North  Car- 
olina, as  we  have  jnst  stated,  and  here,  first  of  all, 
formed  Methodist  societies.  Dr.  Bennett,  in  his 
"  Memorials  of  Methodism  in  Virginia,  "  states  that 
he  received  the  Lee  family   into  the  societies,  and 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  -19 

notably  trie  Rev.  Jesse  Lee,  the  celebrated  pioneer 
of  Methodism  into  the  New  England  States,  some 
of  whose  earliest  appointments  were  in  North  Car- 
olina. It  is  said  that  Williams  "  was  a  plain,  art- 
less, indefatigable  preacher  of  the  gospel,  and  often 
proved  the  goodness  of  his  doctrine,  by  his  tears  in 
public,  and  by  his  life  and  conduct  in  private.  His 
manner  of  preaching  was  well  calculated  to  awaken 
careless  sinners,  and  to  encourage  penitent  mourn- 
ers. He  spared  no  pains  in  order  to  do  good.  He 
frequently  went  to  church  to  hear  the  established 
clergy,  and  as  soon  as  divine  service  was  ended,  he 
would  go  out  of  the  church,  and  standing  on  a 
stump,  block,  or  log,  begin  to  sing,  pray  and  then 
preach  to  hundreds  of  people.  It  was  common  with 
him  after  preaching,  to  ask  most  of  the  people  some 
questions  about  the  welfare  of  their  souls."  The 
next  year  the  name  of  Robert  Williams  is  on  the 
minutes,  but  he  was  appointed  to  no  work,  though 
he  is  known  to  have  still  labored  in  his  old  held, 
assisting  those  who  were  sent  thither.  It  seems  that 
he  met  Francis  Asbury  in  Baltimore,  on  his  way  to 
the  second  Conference,  held  in  Philadelphia,  for 
Asbury  says,  "  He  gave  me  a  circumstantial  account 
of  the  work  of  God  in  those  parts.  One  house  of 
worship  is  built,  and  another  in  contemplation  ;  two 
or  three  more  preachers  are  gone  out  upon  the 
itinerant  plan  ;  and  in  some  parts  the  congregations 
consist  of  two  or  three  thousand  people. " 

In  May,  1775,  we  find  that  Francis  Asbury,  that 
man  of  God,  whose  like  has  not  been  seen  upon  the 
continent,  the   great    pioneer   itinerant    Bishop  of 
7 


50  The  Centennial  of 

American  Methodism,  always  at  work,  and  always 
seeking  out  new  fields  of  labor,  was  sent  to  Nor- 
folk ;  George  Shadford,  Robert  Lindsay,  Edward 
Dromgoole,  Robert  Williams  and  William  Glenden- 
ning  were  sent  to  Brunswick.  A  sweeping  revival 
went  throughout  the  whole  land,  and  as  a  large  in- 
crease of  members  was  reported  at  the  next  Con- 
ference, and  as  so  many  preachers  were  assigned  to 
the  one  circuit  of  Biunswick,  it  is  presumed  that 
the  work  extended,  as  before,  into  the  adjacent  parts 
of  North  Carolina,  and  that  our  people  were  served, 
not  only  by  the  first  pioneer,  Robert  Williams,  but 
also  by  the  other  preachers  appointed  to  that  cir- 
cuit, and  especially  and  notably  by  Edward  Drom- 
goole, whose  name  is  the  first  that  appears  on  the 
minutes,  as  assigned  to  the  Carolina  Circuit  by  the 
Conference  held  in  Baltimore  in  May,  1776,  and  who 
had  for  his  colleagues  Francis  Poythress  and  Isham 
Tatum.  "  Carolina  Circuit  "  must  have  been  con- 
sidered an  important  field,  as  when  it  first  appears 
on  the  minutes,  it  had  assigned  to  it  three  preach- 
ers, and  these  three  amongst  the  ablest  and  most 
useful  in  the  connection. 

On  the  26th  of  September,  1775,  Robert  Wil- 
liams, this  "good  old  man/'  as  Bishop  Asbury 
calls  him,  died.  In  his  journal,  Bishop  Asbury 
says:  "Tuesday,  26th,  brother  Williams  died. 
The  Lord  does  all  things  well.  Perhaps  brother 
Williams  was  in  danger  of  being  entangled  in 
worldly  business  (he  had  located)  and  might  thereby 
have  injured  the  cause  of  God.  So  he  was  taken 
away    from   the   evil."     Bishop    Asbury    preached 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  51 

his  funeral  on  Thursday,  the  28th.  It  was  said  of 
him  that  he  "  was  neither  a  brilliant,  nor  a  learned 
man,"  but  "preached  in  an  affectionate  and  ani- 
mated manner.1'  that  "  he  went  directly  to  the  heart 
of  his  hearers.1"  In  his  labors  in  southern  Virginia, 
and  presumably  in  northern  North  Carolina,  he  ac- 
complished great  good,  not  only  in  the  circuits  of 
which  he  had  charge,  but  also  in  assisting  George 
Shadford  and  others  in  that  remarkable  revival  that 
spread  throughout  those  regions  about  that  time. 
He  also  contributed  much  to  the  instruction  and 
establishment  of  the  membership  in  the  doctrines 
and  discipline  of  the  Church  by  the  publication 
and  circulation  of  many  of  Mr.  Wesley's  sermons 
and  other  works.  In  the  minutes  of  the  very  first 
Conference  in  1773,  it  is  said  "that  Robert  Wil- 
liams is  to  sell  the  books  he  has  already  printed," 
but  to  print  no  more,  "  unless  with  Mr.  Wesley's 
authority."  Thus  early  did  these  wise  and  thought- 
ful pioneers  recognize  the  power  of  the  press  in 
aiding  towards    the  success  of  a  good  cause. 

He  was  buried  somewhere  near  Suffolk,  Virginia. 
The  exact  place  of  his  burial  is  not  known,  no  stone 
marks  the  spot  where  his  mortal  remains  repose, 
and  although  we  cannot  identify  even  the  grave- 
yard that  holds  his  body,  yet  his  "  works  do  follow 
him  ;"  and  let  the  Methodists  of  North  Carolina  and 
Virginia,  in  this  Centennial  year  of  our  Republic 
and  of  North  Carolina  Methodism,  give  all  honor 
to  him  who  first  preached  a  Methodist  sermon  and 
circulated  Methodist  books  within  the  borders  of 
each  commonwealth.     Worthy  successors  took  up 


52  The  Centennial  of 

the  glorious  work  so  nobly  begun  by  this  self-sacri- 
ficing pioneer,  and  carried  it  forward  to  grand  suc- 
cesses, as  the  histor  of  our  Methodism  showeth. 
So  much  for  the  pioneer,  Robert  Williams  ;  now  let 
ns  see  who  may  take  rank  with  him  as  early  intro- 
ducers of  Methodism  within  our  borders. 

There  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  both  Thos. 
Rankin  and  Francis  Asbury  were  amongst  the  early 
pioneer  ministers  in  the  Roanoke  and  Albemarle 
sections  of  the  State.  Asbury  landed  in  Norfolk  in 
the  spring  of  1775.  lie  made  his  headquarters  at 
Norfolk  and  Portsmouth  for  five  months,  but  he 
preached  in  all  the  adjacent  country,  and  possibly 
reached  some  portions  of  North  Carolina.  He  was 
certainly  drawn  into  the  extraordinary  revival  be- 
fore mentioned  in  Brunswick  and  the  adjacent 
counties,  in  which  he  labored  with  the  simplicity, 
fervor  and  heartiness  of  his  soul.  Here  George 
Shadford,  assisted  by  his  colleagues,  and  greatly 
helped  by  the  saintly  Jarratt,  was  conducting  a 
series  of  meetings  the  like  of  which  had  never  been 
witnessed  or  even  heard  of  by  the  people  of  that  day 
and  country.  It  spread  from  man  to  man,  from 
neighborhood  to  neighborhood,  and  from  county  to 
county,  until  the  whole  country  was  in  a  blaze  of 
revival  power  hitherto  unfelt  and  unknown.  We 
are  told  that,  in  the  summer  of  1776,  Thomas  Ran- 
kin came  into  that  section  of  Virginia,  and,  enter- 
ing heartily  into  the  work,  went  as  far  south  as 
North  Carolina,  and,  at  "  Roanoke  Chapel  preached 
to  more  than  double  wh  u  the  house  would  hold. 
The  windows  were  all  open,  every  one  could  hear, 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  53 

and  hundreds  felt  the  word  of  God  ;"  that  he  "  fre* 
quently  preached  and  prayed  until  he  was  hardly 
able  to  stand."'  "  There  was  no  getting  away  " 
from  the  people  "  whilst  he  was  able  to  speak  one 
sentence  for  God."  This  revival,  noted  in  the  early 
history  of  Methodism,  reached  to  fourteen  counties 
in  Virginia,  and  to  considerable  portions  of  North 
Carolina  bordering  on  the  Roanoke,  and  opened  up 
the  way  to  the  formation  of  "  Carolina  "  Circuit,  as 
we  have  seen. 

As  intimated  before,  from  the  Conference  held  in 
Baltimore  in  May,  1776,  there  were  sent  to  "  Caro- 
lina "  Circuit,  the  first  organized  circuit  on  record  in 
this  State,  Edward  Dromgoole,  Francis  Poythress, 
and  Isham  Tatum,  and  six  hundred  and  eighty-three 
members  were  reported  from  North  Carolina,  clearly 
proving  that  what  we  have  inferred  is  true,  viz: 
that  North  Carolina  was  first  reached  by  preachers 
from  Petersburg,  the  Brunswick  Circuit,  and  Nor- 
folk, and  also  warranting  the  conclusion,  in  connec- 
tion with  other  facts,  that  Methodism  had  spread  to 
other  counties  adjacent,  at  least  as  far  as  the  pre- 
sent county  of  Franklin. 

But  this  year  we  also  find  the  Pittsylvania  Cir- 
cuit established  and  manned  by  Isaac  Bollins.  From 
this  circuit  Methodism  was,  almost  without  any  rea- 
sonable doubt,  intr  jduced  into  Middle  and  Western 
North  Carolina,  at  least  as  far  as  the  valley  of  the 
Yadkin.  For  this  year,  the  minutes  report  one 
hundred  members  from  the  Pittsylvania  Circuit, 
and  one  hundred  and  fifty  for  1777,  and  that  Isham 
Tatum  and  John   Sigman   were  assigned  to  that 


54-  The  Centennial  of 

work  the  latter  year.  Tims  we  see  that  the  work 
was  rapidly  spreading,  though  the  country  was  just 
entering  upon  the  troublous  times  of  the  Revolu- 
tionary war. 

In  some  "Memoirs"  of  himself  and  times,  left  by 
the  late  Rev.  Peter  Doub,  D.  D.,  he  says,  in  refer- 
ence to  the  middle  and  western  sections  of  North 
Carolina,  "The  earliest  period  in  which  prea  ■  ing 
by  Methodist  preachers  could  have  been  held  in 
this  portion  of  the  State,  was  in  1776,  when  the 
Pittsylvania  Circuit  first  appears  on  the  minutes, 
and  Isaac  Rollins  was  the  preacher.  To  no  earlier 
date  than  that  can  there  be  any  data  found,  cnvm"; 
evidence  of  Methodism  having  been  introduced  into 
AVestern  North  Carolina.  From  1776  to  1782,  it 
appears  that  the  Yadkin  Circuit  was  included  in 
the  Pittsylvania  Circuit,  as  no  mention  is  made  in 
the  minutes,  or  any  other  document,  of  its  existence 
again  until  this  hitter  date.  The  Rev.  Ira  Ellis  in- 
formed the  writer  many  years  ago  that  the  Yadkin 
Circuit  was  taken  off  of  the  Pittsylvania  Circuit,  of 
which  it  was  originally  a  part."  I  would  state  in 
corrobaration  of  this,  that  the  minutes  for  1782  re- 
port the  members  in  society  in  Yadkin  and  Pitt- 
sylvania jointly  at  our  hundred  and  ninety  one. 
But,  in  1780,  the  Yadkin  Circuit  is  to  be  found  up- 
on the  minutes  with  Andrew  Yeargin  as  preacher  in 
charge  and  twenty-one  members,  two  of  whom  were 
the  father  and  mother  of  Rev.  Peter  Doub,  D.  D.* 


*On  the  lands  of  the  Rev.  John  Doub,  who  was  ordained 
local  deacon  by  Bishop  Whatcoat,   his  credentials  being  in 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  55 

The  same  year  New  Hope  and  Tar  River  are  man- 
ned by  Francis  Poythress,  John  Major,  and  James 
O'Kelly,  (men  of  might)  and  report  nine  hundred 
and  ten  members;  but  the  next  year  Yadkin  Cir- 
cuit seems  to  have  been  dropped  out  and  New  Hope 
and  Tar  River  report  only  eight  hundred  and  thir- 
teen members,  but  Marsh  reports  fifty  and  Edenton 
sixty.  The  next  year,  1782,  Yadkin  reappears  with 
three  preachers,  John  Cooper,  Enoch  Matson,  and 
George  Kimble,  and,  as  before  said,  its  numbers 
were  reported  with  the  Pittsylvania  Circuit. 

At  the  Conference  held  this  year,  they  "acknowl- 
edge their  obligations  to  Rev.  Mr.  Jarratt,  for  his 
kind  and  friendly  services  to  the  preachers  and  peo- 
ple from  (their)  our  first  entrance  into  Virginia,"  and 
they  "  advise  the  preachers  in  the  South  to  consult 


the  possession  of  the  writer,  in  the  year  1802,  was  held  the 
rirst  regularly  appointed  Camp  Meeting'  in  North  Carolina. 
The  year  previous,  (1801),  a  protracted  meeting  in  Randolph 
county  proving  of  absorbing  interest  was  lengthened  into  a 
camp-meeting;  as  was  a  similar  one,  the  same  year,  at  the 
Haw  Fields  under  the  management  of  our  Presbyterian 
brethren.  These  camp-meetings,  we  believe  to  have  been 
the  first  that  were  held  east  of  the  Alleghany  mountains, 
being  at  least  as  early  as  the  one  on  the  Cumberland  men- 
tioned by  Bishop  McTyeire  in  his  Centennial  address  on  the 
Founders  of  Methodism,  and  but  a  year  or  two  after  the  first 
held  in  Kentucky,  and  which  ushered  in  hat  glorious  revi- 
val that  spread  throughout  all  the  settlements  in  the  Missis- 
sippi Valley.  Doub's  camp-ground  was  kept  up  until  within 
the  recollection  of  the  writer  of  this,  as  he  distinctly  re- 
members seeing  the  venerable  Benjamin  Edge  at  a  camp- 
meeting  there. 


56  The  Centennial  of 

him,  and  take  his  advice,  in  the  absence  of  Brother 
Asbnry."  It  seems  also,  from  a  memorandum  in 
the  minutes  of  this  year,  that  the  preachers  in  many 
sections  were  required  to  interchange  their  appoint- 
ments ''after  six  months;1'  so  that  the  itinerant 
plan  was  stictly  kept  up. 

The  Circuits  in  North  Carolina,  so  far  as  can  be 
ascertained  from  the  minutes,  remained  without 
change  until  the  Conference  of  1783,  when  we  find 
Guilford,  Caswell,  Salisbury,  Pasqnotank  and 
Bertie  mentioned,  and  amongst  the  preachers  we 
find  the  names  of  Jesse  Lee,  on  Caswell  ;  William 
Cannan  and  Henry  Ogburn,  on  Yadkin  ;  Philip 
Bruce,  on  Marsh;  Beverly  Allen,  James  Foster  and 
James  Hinton,  on  Salisbury;  Ira  Ellis  and  John 
Worley,  on  Tar  River;  John  Easter,  on  Roanoke. 
There  were  thirteen  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
forty  members  in  all  the  work  and  two  thousand, 
three  hundred  and  forty-one  in  North  Carolina. 

The  first  appointment  to  Wilmington  seems  to 
have  been  made  at  the  succeeding  Conference,  and 
Beverly  Allen  and  James  Hinton  were  sent  thither. 
Camden  was  made  an  appointment  on  the  northern 
border,  and  Pasquotank  was  dropped  out.  The 
whole  number  of  members  in  the  United  States  was 
fourteen  thousand,  nine  hundred  and  eighty-eight, 
of  which  three  thousand,  five  hundred  and  eighteen 
were  from  North  Carolina,  not  quite  one-fourth  of 
the  whole  membership.  There  were  eighty-three 
preachers  reported  in  all,  of  whom  twenty-five  were 
assigned  to  North  Carolina,  not  quite  one-third  of 
the  whole,  evidencing  the  rapid  spread  of  the  work 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  57 

and  the  importance  attached  to  the  field  of  opera- 
tions embraced  in  the  State. 

The  "  Christmas  Conference"  of  the  year  1784  is 
memorable  in  the  history  of  Methodism  in  America, 
as  the  one  at  which  "  it  was  unanimously  agreed  " 
"  that  circumstances  made  it  expedient  for  us  to  be- 
come a  separate  body,  under  the  denomination  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church."  Thomas  Coke 
and  Francis  Asbury  are  declared  to  be  "  Superin- 
tendents of  our  Church,"  and  we  first  find  "  elders  " 
placed  over  certain  groups  of  circuits.  There  was 
no  new  circuit  formed  in  the  State,  but  we  discover 
three  "Elder's"  districts  and  parts  of  two  others 
within  our  limits.  Asbury  had  been  previously 
recognized  as  general  assistant  in  America,  upon 
recommendation  of  Mr.  AVesle}r,  and  Thomas  Ran- 
kin had  also  had  a  roving  commission  to  visit  all 
the  circuits  and  act  as  Superintendent,  though  the 
progress  of  the  war  compelled  him  and  all  the  Eng- 
lish preachers  except  Asbury  to  return  to  England. 
Dr.  Coke  was  now  joined  with  Mr.  Asbury  in  the 
oversight  of  the  infant  Church,  and  ever  afterwards 
was  accorded  Episcopal  functions  whenever  he  was 
on  this  continent.  The  elders,  deacons  and  assis- 
tants were  specified.  Twelve  districts  embraced 
the  work  in  America,  and  amongst  the  "  elders  " 
we  find  the  name  of  Richard  Whatcoat,  who  filled 
many  important  positions,  and  was  the  third  Bishop 
of  the  Church.  After  citing  Mr.  Wesley's  letter  at 
length,  they  concluded  thus  :  "  Therefore,  at  this 
Conference,  we  formed  ourselves  into  an  indepen- 
dent Church ;  and  following  the  counsel  of  Mr. 
8 


58  The  Centennial  of 

John  Wesley,  who  recommended  the  Episcopal 
mode  of  Church  government,  we  thought  it  best  to 
become  an  Episcopal  Church,  making  the  Episco- 
pal office  elective,  and  the  elected  Superintendent 
or  Bishop,  amenable  to  the  body  of  ministers  or 
preachers."  We  also  find  here,  for  the  first  time, 
two  of  those  pointed,  blunt,  terse,  honest  biographies 
of  fallen  preachers,  so  characteristic  that  we  are 
tempted  to  quote  them,  though  the  subjects  of 
neither  ever  traveled  in  North  Carolina.  Here  they 
are  :  "  Caleb  B.  Pedicord — a  man  of  sorrows  ;  and, 
like  his  Master,  acquainted  with  grief;  but  a  man 
dead  to  the  world,  and  much  devoted  to  God.''' 

And  again :  "  George  Mair,  a  man  of  affliction, 
but  of  great  patience  and  resignation  ;  and  of  ex- 
cellent understanding. " 

It  seems  that  they  had  also  been  taking  up  col- 
lections for  "  Cokesburg  College,"  and  had  raised 
money  to  "  send  out  missionaries."  (Were  they  not 
all  missionaries  ? )  The  number  of  members  was 
reported  at  eighteen  thousand,  and  of  preachers  at 
one  hundred  and  four. 

The  infant  Church  being  fairly  launched  upon 
its  career  of  future  prosperity  and  success,  we  may 
well  pause  a  few  moments  and  take  a  retrospect  of 
what  had  been,  under  theguidence  of  God,  accom- 
plished in  the  perilous  times  since  1773,  and  to  learn 
what  we  may,  as  to  some  of  the  actors,  in  those  ever 
shifting  and  stirring  scenes.  Their  record  is  on 
high ;  but  the  influence  of  their  deeds  may  not  en- 
tirely fade  from  the  memories  and  lives  of  men. 

In  1773,  no  organized  Church  existed;  in  1784,  a 


Methodism  m  North  Carolina.  59 

fully  organized  and  wisely  managed  Church  was 
established.  In  1773,  there  were  ten  preachers  in 
the  whole  country,  most  of  them  Englishmen  sent 
out  by  Mr.  Wesley ;  in  lTS-i,  nearly  twelve  years 
afterwards,  there  were  one  hundred  and  four 
preachers,  most  of  them  natives  of  this  country. 
In  1773,  the  e  were  reported  one  thousand,  one 
hundred  and  sixty  members  in  the  society,  all  but 
one  hundred  north  of  Virginia,  and  none  from 
North  Carolina ;  in  1784,  there  were  eighteen 
thousand  members  in  the  whole  country,  of  whom 
at  least  four  thousand  were  from  the  State  of  North 
Carolina.  In  1773,  six  circuits  were  reported  for 
the  whole  work  in  America ;  in  1 784,  there  were 
fifty-two  circuits  in  the  whole  work,  and  twelve  in 
North  Carolina.  In  that  time  in  North  Carolina, 
Methodism  had  spread  from  its  northern  to  its 
southern  border,  and  from  the  seaboard  to  the 
Mountainous  regions.  Although  the  Revolutionary 
war  had  been  fought  and  won  within  that  period, 
and  although  the  State  had  been  overrun  and  de- 
vastated by  the  enemy  and  one  of  the  most  des- 
perate and  decisive  battles  of  the  war  had 
been  fought  upon  our  soil  and  within  the  limits  of 
one  of  our  circuits,  the  glorious  work  was  not 
crushed  in  its  infancy,  but,  upon  the  cessation  of 
hostilities  and  the  establishment  of  a  free  republic, 
plumed  itself  with  fresh  vigor  for  loftier  flights 
than  it  had  ever  before  attempted.  Most  of  those 
heroes  that  had  first  heralded  Methodism  to  our 
people,  were  still  lingering  on  the  shores  of  time, 
and  were  yet  battling  in  the  Master's  cause.  Let 
us  linger  a  little  around  their  precious  names. 


60  The  Centennial  of 

Edward  Dromgoole,  whose  name  heads  the  list 
on  "  Carolina  "  Circuit,  was  an  Irish  emigrant.  He 
came  first  to  Baltimore,  and  was  one  of  the  earliest 
converts  to  Methodism  in  that  city.  He  was  ad- 
mitted into  the  itinerancy  in  1774  and  located  in 
1786,  but  was  ever  afterwards  and  for  many  years, 
eminently  useful  as  a  local  preacher.  According  to 
contemporary  accounts,  he  was  a  man  of  "high 
order  of  intellect,  of  deep  piety,  and  great  moral 
worth."  His  influence  was  extensive,  and  he  left 
behind  him  many  descendants  distinguished  for 
high  positions  in  Church  and  State,  and  marked  by 
great  eloquence  and  learning.  One,  his  youngest 
son,  was  for  many  years  a  leading  member  of  Con- 
gress from  the  State  of  Virginia,  distinguished  for 
his  eloquence  as  an  orator  and  his  skill  as  a  deba- 
ter, as  well  as  for  his  sagacity  as  a  leader ;  and, 
another,  a  grandson,  Rev.  Edward  Dromgoole 
Simms,  A.  M.,  was  a  laborious  and  greatly  suc- 
cessful professor  in  Randolph  Macon  and  La 
Grange  Colleges,  and  in  the  University  of  Ala- 
bama. Even  in  the  latter  part  of  his  life,  Edward 
Dromgoole  came  over  to  his  old  field  of  labor  in 
Xorth  Carolina  and  preached  with  an  eloquence  and 
power  that  produced  wonderful  effects  upon  his 
hearers.  He  lingered  on  the  shores  of  time  until  in 
1836,  full  of  years  and  seeing  the  fruits  of  his  labors, 
he  died  in  the  84th  year  of  his  age. 

Francis  Poythress  was  admitted  on  trial  in  1776, 
and  was  appointed  second  on  the  "Carolina"  Cir- 
cuit (not  the  Caroline  Circuit  as  Dr.  Redford  has 
it  in  his  History  of  Methodism  in  Kentucky,  prob- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  61 

ably  by  typographical  mistake.)  Our  pioneer  work 
called  out  no  one  probably  more  remarkable  than 
Francis  Poythress.  From  the  many  prominent  ap- 
pointments he  rilled,  he  must  have  occupied  a  high 
position  in  the  esteem  and  affections  of  the  pioneer 
church.  After  filling  many  important  positions  in 
Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  he  was  transferred  to 
Kentucky,  where,  consequent  upon  many  years  of 
laborious  and  exhausting  pioneer  work,  his  health 
and  mind  gave  way  and  he  ceased  to  labor.  He 
was  so  highly  esteemed  by  Bishop  Asbury  that  he 
nominated  him  for  Bishop,  but  he  was,  for  some 
reason,  not  elected.  He  is  represented  as  having 
performed  all  the  work  of  an  itinerant  Methodist 
preacher  with  great  fidelity  and  success,  and  as 
having  been  instrumental  in  brineTner  thousands  of 
souls  to  Christ,  and  in  laying  the  foundations  of 
the  Methodist  Church  in  widely  distant  portions  of 
the  United  States.  Converted,  even  before  he  came 
into  contact  with  the  Methodists,  under  the  minis- 
trations of  the  devoted  Jarratt,  he  had  already 
thrown  himself  into  the  work  of  saving  souls  before 
the  advent  of  the  Methodist  preachers  into  Virginia, 
and  when  they  appeared,  he  heartily  fell  into  their 
methods  of  work,  cordially  embraced  their  doc- 
trines, and  soon  become  a  man  of  might  in  their 
ranks.  He  died  in  1818  in  Kentucky.  North  Car- 
olina, Virginia  and  Kentucky  Methodism  owe  to  his 
memory  a  large  debt  of  gratitude  for  his  unselfish, 
faithful,  self-sacrificing  toil,  for  his  ardent  devotion 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  his  unbounded  zeal 
in  the  service  of  the  Master,  and  fur  his  earnestness 


62  The  Centennial  of 

in  the  salvation  of  the  souls  of  the  people.  Though 
his  mind  was  eclipsed  and  shorn  of  its  power  in  his 
latter  days,  yet  verily  a  great  man  in  Israel  fell 
when  he  succumbed  to  the  power  of  disease. 

The  third  name  on  Carolina  Circuit  in  1776  was 
that  of  Isham  Tatum.  His  name  first  appears  in 
the  minutes  that  year.  lie  traveled  but  few  years, 
though  he  gave  evidence  of  much  zeal  and  ability 
in  the  work.  He  desisted  from  traveling  in  1781  and 
settled  in  the  upper  part  of  Virginia,  where  he  was 
much  honored  and  beloved.  In  the  second  year  of 
his  own  ministry,  the  Rev.  Peter  Doub,  D.  D.,  met 
with  this  old  servant  of  the  Lord  in  Madison  county, 
Virginia,  where,  upon  marriage  and  location,  he 
had  settled.  I  quote  again  from  his  "Memoirs": 
"  Here  he  became  acquainted  with  Rev.  Isham  Ta- 
tum, who  commenced  the  work  of  the  itinerancy 
about  the  beginning  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  or  a 
little  before,  and  for  some  years  continued  to  travel. 
When  he  married  he  settled  himself  in  the  county 
of  Madison,  Va.,  and  continued  a  local  preacher  for 
many  years.  He  had  been  a  minister  for  more  than 
sixty  years  when  he  died.  He  was  a  very  good, 
sound  divine;  very  eloquent,  and  so  highly  es- 
teemed by  the  public  in  this  regard,  that  he  was 
known  throughout  the  country  as  the  "  Silver 
Trumpet."  He  also  left  a  large  number  of  descend- 
ants, most  of  whom  are  members  of  the  church  he 
so  faithfully  labored  to  establish." 

What  shall  we  say  of  John  Dickens  \  A  man  of 
integrity  and  uprightness,  "of  quick  and  solid  parts  ; 
a  sound  and  close  reasoner,  and  a  very  plain,  prac- 


Methodism,  in  North  Carolina.  63 

tical  and  pointed  preacher."  According  to  Bishop 
Asbury,  "  a  master  of  the  English  language,"  "  a 
man  of  great  piety,  great  skill  in  learning,  yet  drink- 
ing in  Greek  and  Latin  swiftly."  He,  when  at 
Bustion's  in  Halifax,  North  Carolina,  in  company 
with  Bishop  Asbnry,  in  1780,  "  drew  a  subscription 
for  a  Ivingswood  School  in  America,"  which  "came 
out  a  College  in  the  subscription  printed  by  Dr. 
Coke,"  "  to  which  Gabriel  Long  and  brother  Bus- 
tion  were  the  first  subscribers."  He  aided  the  early 
preachers  in  starting  and  putting  into  successful 
operation  their  "Book  Concern,"  and  by  "his  skill 
and  fidelity  as  editor,  inspector  and  corrector  of  the 
press,"  enabled  the  church  to  lay  wide  and  deep 
the  foundations  for  a  church  literature  unsurpassed 
in  any  other  communion.  One  said  that  it  might 
be  written  on  his  tomb  with  truth  :  "Here  lieth 
he,  who,  in  the  cause  of  God,  never  feared  or  flat- 
tered man."  With  words  of  joy  he  passed  away 
and  left  behind  him  a  glorious  record  of  good  deeds. 
For  many  years,  his  son,  the  Hon.  Asbury  Dickens, 
was  clerk  of  the  United  States  Senate,  respected 
and  trusted,  and  retained  in  office  by  all  parties. 

Early  in  the  history  of  Methodism,  LeRoy  Cole, 
a  native  of  Virginia,  was  attracted  to  "  Methodism 
as  the  best  exponent  of  Christianity,"  and  although 
educated  "for  the  ministry  in  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land,"  he  hesitated  not  "  to  embrace  the  sacrifices 
and  sufferings  of  an  itinerant's  life,"  and  to  plead 
his  Master's  cause  amongst  this  despised  people. 
Though  meeting  with  many  hardships,  and  much 
persecution,  he  meekly  bore  contumely  and  wrong 


64  The  Centennial  of 

in  his  Master's  cause,  and  outliving  it  all,  retired 
for  a  time  to  the  local  ranks ;  but  again,  later  in  life, 
entering  the  itinerancy,  he  to  the  last  exhibited 
great  power,  and,  early  in  the  present  century,  did 
much  to  forward  the  cause  of  Methodism  in  Ken- 
tucky, whither  he  emigrated  in  1808. 

What  shall  be  said  of  John  Major?  "A  simple- 
hearted  man,  a  living,  loving  soul,  who  died,  as  he 
lived,  full  of  faith  and  the  Holy  Ghost,"  "  useful 
and  blameless."     Or  of 

Henry  Willis?  "A  man  of  great  gifts,  natural, 
spiritual  and  acquired,"  who  believed  "that his  call 
and  qualifications  were  of  a  divine  nature,  and  not 
to  be  dispensed  with  but  by  unfaithfulness,  debility, 
or  death."  He  possessed  "  great  courage,  tempered 
with  good  conduct ;  he  was  cheerful  without  levity, 
and  sober  without  sullen  sadness,  or  gloomy  mel- 
ancholy."    Or  of 

Richard  Ivey  ?  "A  man  of  quick  and  solid 
parts;"  "a  man  of  affliction,"  who  "lingered  out 
his  latter  days,  spending  his  all,  with  his  life  in  the 
work."     Or  of 

Reuben  Ellis  ?  A  man  of  slow,  but  very  sure 
and  solid  parts,  both  as  a  counselor  and  a  guide. 
In  his  preaching  weighty  and  powerful ;  a  man  of 
simplicity  and  godly  sincerity,  "  always  ready  to 
fill  any  station  to  which  he  was  appointed,  although 
he  might  go  through  the  fire  of  temptation  and  wa- 
ters of  affliction." 

Of  William  Partridge  it  is  said  :  "fin  preaching, 
he  was  experimental,  practical  and  plain ;  and  none 
were  at  a  loss  to  understand  him.     He  drew  his  di- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  65 

vinity  out  of  the  Bible,  and  read  authors  but  little." 
"Industry,  piety,  peace,  and  harmony,  were  the 
motto  of  his  house.  As  a  Christian,  numbers  have 
professed  sanctilication,  but  he  lived  it." 

John  Cooper  was  "  quiet,  inoffensive  and  blame- 
less ;  a  son  of  affliction,  subject  to  dejection,  sorrow 
and  sufferings ;  often  in  want,  but  too  modest  to 
complain,  till  observed  and  relieved  by  his  friends." 

James  White  was  a  "  simple-hearted  man,  and  a 
lively  preacher  ;  afflicted,  yet  active  and  laborious  ; 
soft  and  kind  in  his  affections,  patient  in  suffering, 
well  received  and  much  esteemed  ;  successful  in  the 
work  of  God, — resigned  in  his  death." 

Ira  Ellis  entered  the  ministry  in  the  twentieth 
year  of  his  age.  He  had  many,  responsible,  and  im- 
portant fields  of  labor  assigned  him.  After  retiring 
from  the  itinerancy,  he  labored  for  thirty  years  in 
Virginia,  in  a  local  sphere,  and  in  his  old  age, 
moved  to  Kentucky,  where  he  died  in  1841.  Dr. 
Redford  says  of  him  :  "  He  brought  into  the  min- 
istry talents  of  a  high  order,  a  constitution  unim- 
paired, a  spotless  life,  and  a  zeal  that  courted  sacri- 
fices, privation  and  toil.  His  labors  were  abundant, 
and  his  fidelity  to  the  church  was  never  challenged. 
He  bore  the  ensign  of  the  cross  over  hill  and  vale, 
into  the  crowded  city,  and  to  the  mountain's  crest, 
amid  pestilence,  disease,  and  death,  and  never  for  a 
moment  furled  the  banner  he  held  in  his  grasp." 

James  O'Kelly  is  a  noted  name  in  early  pioneer 

Methodist  history.     Amongst    the    earliest  in  the 

ranks,  he  was  noted  for  his  ability  and  power  in  the 

pulpit,  and  for  the  influence  he  exerted  out  of  it, 

9 


66  The  Centennial  of 

Becoming  dissatisfied  with  what  he  conceived  to  be 
anti-republican  tendencies  in  the  form  of  govern- 
ment adopted  by  the  Church,  he  departed  from  his 
brethren,  formed  a  society  based  on  his  own  ideas, 
and  now  has  a  small  number  of  followers  in  several 
parts  of  the  country. 

Philip  Bruce  is  an  honored  name  in  Methodist 
history.  Of  Huguenot  descent,  "  he  was  a  native 
of  North  Carolina,  a  soldier  of  the  Revolution,  con- 
verted to  God  in  early  life,  and  with  a  pious  mother 
joined  the  Methodists.  Bishop  Paine  says  of  him: 
"  He  was  for  many  years  a  Presiding  Elder  in  the 
Virginia  Conference,  bore  a  conspicuous  part  in  form- 
ing the  constitution  and  polity  of  the  Church,  and 
was  regarded  by  Asbury  and  McKendree  as  a  wise 
and  trusty  adviser  ;  and,  after  he  had  become  super- 
annuated, he  came  to  Tennessee,  and  resided  at  his 
brother's."  "He  was  a  holy,  cheerful,  and  useful 
preacher."  "Like  McKendree,  he  never  married, 
but  gave  his  who'e  life  to  God  and  Methodism; 
and,  like  him,  he  died  happy.  He  professed  to  en- 
joy the  blessings  of  sanctifying  grace ;  he  preached 
it,  lived  an  exemplification  of  it,  and  died  its  wit- 
ness. 

Need  we  say  anything  of  Jesse  Lee,  the  Apostle 
of  Methodism  to  the  New  England  States,  the 
friend  and  companion  of  Asbury  ?  flis  name  is 
known  in  all  the  churches.  He  was  indeed  of  the 
heroic  mould,  fearing  neither  man  nor  devils,  so 
that  he  might  win  souls  to  Christ.  Ready,  self- 
possessed,  calm,  witty,  he  applied  the  keen  lash  of 
ridicule  to  the  opponents  of  Christianity  and  Meth- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  67 

odism,  and  forebore  not  to  make  the  enemies  of  the 
cause  feel  his  power.  Held  in  high  esteem  in  the 
Church,  he  helped  largely  in  shaping  its  policy,  was 
in  all  her  councils,  and  was  near  being  elected 
Bishop.  Full  of  years  and  usefulness,  he  went  to 
his  grave  honored  and  revered  by  all  the  Church. 

But  what  should  we  say  more  of  these  dead 
pioneer  heroes  of  the  Church  ?  for  the  time  would 
fail  us  to  tell  of  Coke  and  Asbury,  of  Whatcoat, 
of  McKendree,  and  of  George  and  of  Garrettson  ; 
and  in  later  days  of  Christopher  S.  Mooring,  of 
Hope  Hull,  of  Daniel  Asbury,  of  Thomas  Logan 
Douglass,  of  Benjamin  Edge,  of  William  Jean,  of 
Henry  Holmes,  of  Edward  Cannon,  of  J.  C.  Ballew 
and  his  remarkable  wife,  of  Benjamin  Devany,  of 
John  Early,  of  Hezekiah  G.  Leigh,  of  Lewis  Skid- 
more,  of  Moses  Brock,  the  stern,  the  inflexible,  the 
devoted,  the  self-poised,  the  brave,  the  witty,  the 
fearless  Methodist  preacher,  or  of  the  young,  prom- 
ising, early  removed  Fletcher  Harris,  a  native  of 
Granville  county,  who  exclaimed  when  dying  that 
"  it  is  living  forever.'"  All  these  and  hundreds  of 
others,  their  ecpials  and  fellows,  have  attained  unto 
the  "  promise,"  and,  with  scarce  a  stretch  of  Paul's 
metaphors,  it  may  be  said  of  them,  that  "  through 
faith"  they  "subdued  kingdoms,  wrought  right- 
eousness, obtained  promises,  stopped  the  mouths  of 
lions,  quenched  the  violence  of  fire,  escaped  the 
edge  of  the  sword,  out  of  weakness  were  made 
strong,  waxed  valiant  in  fight,  turned  to  flight  the 
armies  of  the  aliens.  Women  received  their  dead 
raised  to  life  again  ;  and  others   were  tortured,  not 


G8  The  Centennial  of 

accepting  deliverance,  that  they  might  obtain  a 
better  resurrection  ;  and  others  had  trials  of  cruel 
mockings,  yea,  moreover,  of  bonds  and  imprison- 
ments ;  they  were  stoned  *  *  were 
tempted.     Of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy." 

Tn  North  Carolina  were  born  or  labored  other 
distinguished  leaders  of  the  hosts  of  our  Israel.  In 
Person  county,  onr  Senior  Bishop  first  saw  the  light ; 
on  our  southern  borders  abored  Bishops  Andrew, 
Capers  and  Wightman,  and  Mattamuskeet  has  the 
honor  of  having  been  a  field  of  labor  in  the  early 
ministry  of  Bishop  Dogge'tt.  On  the  waters  of  the 
Roanoke  was  born  that  wonderful  man  of  God,  Dr. 
Lovick  Pierce,  that  now  lingers  between  this  and 
the  heavenly  land  ;  and,  with  his  heart  and  soul 
and  his  body  almost  across  the  rolling  flood,  still 
fails  not  to  warn  sinners  and  to  call  the  impenitent 
to  Christ.  There  also  was  born  his  elder  brother 
Recldick  Pierce,  who  died  many  years  since  in  South 
Carolina,  and  Caswell  and  Anson  counties  have  the 
honor  of  having  given  to  the  Church  Robert  L. 
Kennon  and  Ebenezer  Hearne,  of  Alabama. 

These  valiant  soldiers  marshaled  on  a  gallant  army 
of  men  and  women,  and  arrayed  them  for  the  fight 
-—laymen  who  hesitated  not  to  bear  the  heat  and  bur- 
den of  the  clay  for  the  cause.  These,  too,  shared 
in  the  toils  and  struggles  of  the  early  preachers, 
and  although  their  names  and  deeds  have  not  been 
embalmed  to  us  in  history,  yet  we  can  well  imagine 
how  they  enjoyed  the  triumphs  and  shared  in  the 
sorrows  of  our  early  pioneer  preachers.  Mention 
is  made  of  a  few  in  those  far  distant  times,  and  we 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  69 

love  to  linger  around  the  names  of  some  that  enter- 
tained and  cared  for  Asbury,  Coke,  Whatcoat,  Mc- 
Kendree  and  the  other  leaders  of  our  hosts,  snch 
as  Starling  Gunn,  George  Harris,  Edmund  Taylor, 
brother  Bustion  and  Gabriel  Long. 

This  pioneer  work  will  never  again,  with  any 
probability,  be  surrounded  with  so  much  of  diffi- 
culty and  danger  as  was  that  that  introduced  Meth- 
odism into  this  State.  North  Carolina,  it  is  true, 
had  been  a  refuge  for  the  persecuted  and  oppressed,, 
and  the  Quakers,  the  Palatine,  the  Huguenot,  the 
Presbyterian  from  other  colonies,  and  the  defeated 
Scotch-Irish  after  the  disastrous  battle  of  Culloden, 
and  the  Moravian,  had  all  found  a  safe  asylum  from 
oppression  on  our  soil. 

But  these  revolutionary  times  were  full  of  inci- 
dents, change  and  terror.  Early  in  the  struggle, 
nay  even  before  the  first  gun  had  been  fired  at  Lex- 
ington, the  contest  had  been  commenced  within  our 
borders.  The  royal  governors  could  not, with  all  their 
show  of  power,  quench  the  flames  of  liberty  in  our 
midst,  but  preachers  and  people  alike  fought  the 
fight  for  country,  as  for  the  right  to  worship  God  as 
they  deemed  proper.  These  were  unpropitious 
times  for  the  pioneer  Methodist  preacher,  who  came 
denouncing  sin,  calling  men  to  repentance  under 
pain  of  eternal  damnation,  and  hurling  the  terrors 
of  the  law  against  the  impenitent.  Was  it  strange 
if  men  should  pause  and  be  incredulous  at  this  new 
fashion  of  preaching  ?  Then,  too,  when  they  at- 
tacked the  dogmas  of  the  other  churches  that  had 
preoccujjied  the  land,  as  they  unhesitatingly  did,  it 


70  The  Centennial  of 

would  seem  that  the  contest  was  desperate,  and  the 
struggle  hopeless.  On  the  one  hand,  there  was  a 
string  of  Presbyterian  settlements  from  the  Roanoke 
to  the  Catawba,  and  the  whole  of  the  country 
around  the  waters  of  the  upper  Cape  Fear,  and 
stretching  on  towards  the  Pee  Dee,  was  occupied 
by  the  Sco  ch-Irish  Presbyterians,  and  the  Baptists 
had  for  some  time  been  established  and  were  in 
some  force  in  middle  and  western  North  Carolina; 
and  the  new  preachers  were,  the  most  of  them,  with 
few  early  advantages  of  education  and  training  for 
the  work,  poor  and  friendless,  in  destitution  and 
often  in  absolute  want,  with  nothing  but  their  horse, 
saddle-bags,  Bible  and  Tlymn-book,  and  mayhap  a 
few  of  Wesley's  sermons  or  tracts,  and  possibly  a 
bare  change  of  raiment ;  and  thus  ecpiipped,  they 
boldly  went  forth  to  preach  Christ  crucified  to  the 
sinful,  and  to  combat  what  they  believed  to  be  the 
errors  of  Calvinism,  and  to  discuss  Election,  Re- 
probition,  Final  Perseverance,  etc.,  etc.,  with  such 
well  trained  Calvinists  as  Rev.  James  Campbell,  of 
the  Cape  Fear  region  ;  Rev.  Hugh  McAden,  of 
New  Hanover,  Duplin,  and  later  of  Caswell  ;  with 
Rev.  Alexandar  Craighead,  of  Mecklenburg,  Rev. 
David  Caldwell,  of  Guilford,  that  inflexible  old  pa- 
triot and  teacher ;  Rev.  Henry  Patillo,  of  Orange ; 
Rev.  Dr.  John  Hall,  of  Iredell,  and  numbers  of 
other  able  settled  ministers  ;  and  on  the  subject  of 
Immersion,  Infant  Baptism,  Communion,  etc.,  etc., 
with  Rev.  Mr.  Miller  and  other  established  minis- 
ters of  the  Baptist  Church  ;  and  to  meet  with  the 
peculiar  difficulties  growing  out  of  the  discussion  of 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  71 

the  forms  of  faith  and  worship  of  other  denomina- 
tions. It  seemed  indeed  a  more  than  Herculean 
task,  a  hopeless  struggle  against  all  reasonable  pos- 
sibilities of  success — but  they  shrank  not  from  it. 
When  we  add  to  all  these  the  sparsely  settled  coun- 
try, the  rude  manners  and  customs  of  many  of  the 
frontier  inabitants,  the  savage  wild  beasts,  and  often 
the  more  savage  human  beasts  they  encountered, 
the  hunger  and  toil,  the  blows  and  even  imprison- 
ments and  persecutions,  we  may  well  see  that  they 
"  counted  not  their  lives  dear,"  so  that  they  might 
win  some  souls  to  Christ. 

As,  in  the  mysterious  providence  of  God,  their 
labors  were  crowned  with  no  small  measure  of  suc- 
cess, and  societies  were  formed  on  mountain,  valley 
and  stream,  and  the  grand  old  forests  were  made 
vocal  with  their  sublime  songs  of  joy  and  trust, 
when  the  wilderness  was  yielding  to  their  unre- 
quited toil,  and  the  rough  places  were  made  smooth, 
and  they  were  rejoicing  in  the  rich  prospects 
of  a  ripening,  waving  harvest,  when  their  hearts 
were  mellowed  with  overflowing  gratitude  to  God 
for  success,  when  all  things  cheered  and  enlivened 
them  ;  then  the  demon  of  dissension  crept  in,  and 
contentions  and  bitterness  and  strife  came  in  be- 
tween friends  and  comrades,  and  threatened  to 
destroy  the  good  that  had  been  done,  and  to  forever 
blast  all  prospects  for  success  and  triumph  in  the 
future.  Ambition  reared  her  baleful  head,  desire 
for  preferment,  place  and  the  applause  of  men 
came  in  with  this  direful  passion,  and  pride,  and 
selfishness  and  personal  aims  had  well  nigh  proved 


72  The  Centennial  of 

too  much  for  many.  But  God  had  a  work  for  his 
Church  to  accomplish  in  these  lands  far  wider  and 
deeper  than  had  ever  before  been  reached;  and  there 
were  yet  iron-nerved  and  tender-hearted  heroes  that 
felt  the  power  of  an  impulse  within  them  that  de- 
nounced woes  upon  their  own  heads  if  they  preached 
not  and  spread  not  this  gospel.  But  they  gave  not 
back,  they  kept  their  faces  to  the  foe,  they  faltered 
not  in  the  contest ;  they  feared  not  the  issue,  for 
was  not  the  great  Jehovah  on  their  side  ? — and 
were  they  not  His  soldiers  whose  arms  were 
strengthened  for  fight  by  His  almighty  power? 

And  they  conquered,  y  ,  gloriously,  grandly 
conquered,  and  the  State,  and  the  world,  and  the 
people  are  the  better  for  that  victory. 

Their  success  has  been  almost  without  precedent. 
In  1776,  there  wer  less  than  five  thousand  mem- 
bers in  the  entire  United  States  ;  in  1876,  there  are 
at  least  one  hundred  thousa  d  Methodists  of  all 
names  in  North  Carolina,  and  two-and-one-fourth 
millions  in  the  United  States;  and  four-and-one- 
fourth  millions  on  the  whole  globe ;  and  allowing 
three  perso;  s  to  each  me  ber  of  the  church,  there 
are  at  least  seventeen  millions  of  people  under 
Methodist  influence  in  the  world.  In  1776,  the 
Methodists  had  no  schools,  few  churches,  barely 
yet  the  nucleus  of  one  college,  no  Sunday  school, 
no  missionary  or  tract  societies ;  in  1876,  there 
are  schools  and  colleges  under  their  patronage 
all  over  the  land,  and  their  missionary  efforts 
extend  over  the  habitable  globe  wherever  a  lodg- 
ment can  be  effected  ;  their  Sunday  schools  are  num- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  73 

bered  by  thousands  and  their  pupils  by  millions ; 
and  they  aid  in  all  benevolent  enterprises  of  all 
lands,  in  any  way  in  which  the  condition  of  the 
human  race  can  be  ameliorated.  They  have  repre- 
sentatives in  the  Senate,  on  the  Bench,  at  the  Bar. 
From  being  few  and  despised,  they  have  become 
many,  and  are  honored  and  respected  the  civilized 
world  over. 

Liberal  in  their  views,  and  tolerant  of  all  other 
denominations,  they  have  nevertheless  infused  their 
own  spirit  of  liberality  into  the  practice  and  the 
creeds  of  all  churches,  and  modified  the  dogmatic 
theology  of  all.  They  have  contended  everywhere 
and  at  all  times  for  what  they  believed  to  be  the 
true  theology,  but  have  not  consigned  to  damnation 
those  whose  theories  differed  from  theirs  on  those 
points  not  essential  to  salvation. 

And  it  is  not  difficult  to  discover  the  causes  of 
their  great  success.-  The  world  needed  just  such  a 
grand  upturning  as  this  movement  brought  about, 
and  Providence  opened  the  way  everywhere  for  its 
onward  march.  Then  they  always  were  men  of  defi- 
nite aims,  not  mere  theorists  battling  for  dogmas 
that  could  not  exalt  humanity,  but  direct  in  their 
attacks  upon  sin,  and  skilled  in  a  precise  language 
that  defined  the  position  of  the  sinner,  delineated 
his  character,  and  applied  the  only  sure  remedy. 
Having  a  vivid  conception  of  the  lost  condition  of 
mankind  out  of  Christ,  they  possessed  the  courage 
to  tell  men  of  their  sins,  and  the  affectionate  tender- 
ness to  warn  them  of  their  danger,  and  to  woo  them 
to  the  only  safe  refuge  from  the  storm.  They  had 
10 


7-1  The  Centennial  of 

few  books,  but  what  they  did  have  they  mastered 
thoroughly,  and  being  largely  gifted  with  the  power 
of  extemporaneous  speaking,  they,  with  their  homely 
and  popular  illustrations,  could  apply  the  truths  of 
the  word  of  God  with  great  and  extraordinary  effect 
to  the  hearts  and  consciences  of  the  people.  Then 
most  of  them  "  were  sweet  singers  in  Israel,"  and, 
from  the  great  bard  of  the  Church  who,  under  the 
inspiration  of  the  glorious  mission  to  which  he  was 
called,  conld 

"Untwist  all  the  links  that  tie 
The  hidden  soul  of  harmony," 

they  had  received  those  inspiring  lyrics  that  have 
thrilled  through  the  souls  of  all  classes  and  condi- 
tions of  her  people  for  the  last  hundred  }rears;  and 
they  made  hill  and  dale,  and  rock  and  flood  vocal 
with  praises  to  God,  and  sung  hope  into  the  despond- 
ent, power  into  the  helpless,  spirit  into  the  mourner 
and  courage  into  the  feeble. 

And  above  all,  if  they  were  sometimes  rude  and 
blunt  in  their  dealings  with  their  fellow-men  ;  if 
they  sometimes  shocked  the  sensibilities  of  the 
delicate-minded ;  they  were  loving,  and  tender, 
and  true,  and  dealt  faithfully  and  honestly  with 
all.  And  they  lived  the  religon  they  gave  up  their 
lives  to  preach  and  spread.  It  was  their  consola- 
tion, their  comfort  and  their  great  reward.  Earth 
had  no  treasures  in  her  bosom  in  any  way  compar- 
able to  it — ambition  had  no  allurements  for  those 
who  knew  they  had  a  crown  laid  up  for  them  in  the 
world   beyond   the   flood.      Great,    simple,   good, 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina..  75 

honest,  grand,  sublime  was  their  work  ;  well  did 
they  fulfill  their  mission,  and  the  world  calls  them 
heroes  and  conquerers. 

"  Filled  with  immortal  hope, 
They  urged  the  restless  strife, 
And  hastened  to  be  swallowed  up 
Of  everlasting  life." 

Communications  from  Rev.  B.  T.  Blake  and  Hon. 
William  M.  Robbins,  Member  of  Congress,  were 
read  by  the  Secretary.  Dr.  Burkhead  announced 
appointments  as  follows,  viz  :  At  3-|  o'clock  P.  M., 
preaching  in  Edenton  Street  Church,  by  Rev.  L.  L. 
Hendren,  Presiding  Elder  of  Hillsboro'  District. 
At  3-|  o'clock  P.  M.,  preaching  in  Person  Street 
Church,  by  Rev.  F.  L.  Reid,  of  Louisburg  Station. 
The  exercises  were  then  closed,  with  singing,  led 
by  the  choir,  and  the  benediction  by  Bishop  E.  M. 
Marvin,  D.  D. 

evening  session. 

March  22,  1876. 

The  Centennial  exercises  were  resumed  in  Metro- 
politan Hall,  at  7i  o'clock  P.  M.,  Bishop  H.  K 
McTyeire,  D.  D.,  in  the  chair.  Religious  services 
were  conducted  by  Rev.  John  Tillett,  of  Pittsboro', 
North  Carolina. 

The  Chairman  then  introduced  Rev.  A.  W.  Man- 
gum,  A.  M.,  Professor  in  the  University  of  North 
Carolina,  who  addressed  a  full  house.     Subject: 


76  The  Centennial  of 

"  the  introduction  and  history  of  methodism  in 
raleigh,  north  carolina." 

Mr.  Mangum  said  : 

Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen : 

North  Carolinians  mak  e  history ;  they  do  not 
wnlte  it.  Had  not  the  deeds  of  our  fathers  been  so 
great ;  had  not  the  impression  of  their  lives,  on  hu- 
man interest  and  admiration,  been  so  deep  and  en- 
during as  to  defy  time  and  change  and  neglect ; 
many  now  honored  names  and  achievements  would 
long  since  have  been  forgotten.  Even  to  this  day, 
we  have  nothing  that  can  be  called  a  general  history 
of  the  State.  The  work  of  Dr.  Hawks  is  little  more 
than  an  introduction,  closing  with  the  Proprietary 
Government.  Wheeler's  history  is  an  invaluable 
compilation,  securing  much  material  for  the  history 
yet  to  be  written.  As  to  ecclesiastical  history,  only 
the  Presbyterians  and  Lutherans  have  a  respectable 
record  of  the  toils,  sacrifices,  sufferings,  successes 
and  triumphs  of  the  noble  pioneers  of  their  respec- 
tive churches  in  our  State.  The  Methodists  of 
North  Carolina  have  no  published  history.  The 
Rev.  Peter  Doub,  1).  D.,  furnished  the  press  some 
interesting  papers  on  North  Carolina  Methodism, 
setting  a  worthy  example  and  providing  rich  re- 
sources for  some  future  author.  Must  we  sadly 
conclude  that  our  people  do  not  sufficiently  prize 
the  characters  and  events  that  distinguished  the 
days  of  our  fathers,  to  make  any  effort  to  preserve 
them  ?    If  so,  let  us  rejoice  that  the  works  of  those 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  77 

fathers  have  perpetuated  themselves,  and  the  fruits 
of  their  labors  grow  sweeter  and  more  abounding, 
season  after  season,  as  the  cycles  of  the  ecclesiastical 
years  roll  on.  The  want  of  adequate  records  to 
guide  me  is  my  apology  for  any  omissions  or  inac- 
curacies that  this  sketch  may  betray. 

As  introductory  to  my  general  subject,  I  will  give 
a  brief  account  of 

The  Founding  of  the  City  of  Raleigh. 

Under  the  several  forms  of  government,  until 
1794,  the  General  Assembly  met  at  various  places 
in  the  State,  from  Salem  to  Wilmington.  The  ef- 
fort to  secure  a  permanent  seat  of  government  was 
begun  by  the  Legislature  at  Tarboro'  in  1787,  that 
body  requesting  the  people  to  instruct  their  repre- 
sentatives in  the  Convention  to  fix  upon  the  loca- 
tion. The  Convention  referred  it  to  the  Assembly, 
with  the  restriction  that  the  place  selected  should 
be  within  ten  miles  of  the  residence  of  Isaac  Hun- 
ter in  Wake  county.  In  1790  the  Legislature  re- 
fused to  act  upon  the  bill,  by  a  vote  in  which  both 
houses  were  tied  ;  the  speaker  of  the  House  voting 
in  the  affirmative,  and  the  speaker  of  the  Senate  in 
the  negative. 

The  General  Assembly,  at  Newbern  in  1791,  re- 
solved to  carry  out  the  ordinance,  and  appointed 
commissioners  to  locate  and  lay  off  the  city,  and  to 
superintend  the  building  of  a  State  House.  One  of 
these  commissioners  was  Hon.  Wiley  Jones,  whose 
name  is  prominently  connected  with  the  history  of 
Methodism  in  Raleigh.     He  and  five  others  met  on 


78  The  Centennial  of 

the  4th  of  April,  1792,  and  on  the  next  day  pur- 
chased of  Joel  Lane,  who  lived  on  the  present  Boy- 
Ian  lot,  one  thousand  acres  of  land,  and  proceeded 
to  form  the  plan  of  the  Capitol,  to  embrace  in  its  cor- 
porate limits  four  hundred  acres. 

The  State  House  was  erected  on  the  site  of  the 
present  edifice  It  was  of  similar  design  but  smaller 
dimensions.  It  was  occupied  by  the  General  Assem- 
bly, for  the  first  time,  in  1794.  It  is  associated  with 
the  introduction  of  the  several  denominations  in  the 
city.  So  likewise  is  the  old  Court  House,  which 
stood  on  or  near  the  site  of  the  building  of  to-day. 

The  Approach  of  Methodism. 

In  the  year  1773,  Joseph  Pillmore  passed  from 
Norfolk  through  Eastern  Carolina,  on  a  tour  of  ob- 
servation, to  ascertain  the  propriety  of  sending 
Methodist  preachers  into  that  part  of  the  country. 
Of  course  he  must  have  preached  as  he  traveled,  and 
has  the  honor  of  being  the  first  Methodist  itinerant 
who  traveled  extensively  through  the  State. 

Early  in  1773,  Robert  Williams  preached  from 
Petersburg  over  into  the  northern  border  of  Caro- 
lina. It  will  not  detract  from  the  interest  of  this 
commemorative  convocation,  for  it  to  be  known 
that  the  Methodism  of  our  State  measures  backward 
one  hundred  and  three  years.  This  is  the  centen- 
nial, not  of  its  introduction,  but,  of  its  organized 
existence.  The  successors  of  Williams  in  1774 
"  gathered  many  societies  "  both  about  Petersburg 
"  and  in  other  places  as  far  as  North  Carolina.". 

In  this  year,  John  King,  John  Wade,  and  Isaac 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  79 

Rollins  traveled  the  Brunswick  Circuit ;  which  is 
known  to  have  extended  south  of  the  Roanoke  river. 
During  the  year,  the  revival  wave  flowed  over  the 
border  into  the  Roanoke  District.  In  17T5,  Robert 
"Williams,  George  Shadford,  Edward  Drumgoole, 
Robert  Lindsay  and  William  Glendening  were  on 
the  Brunswick  Circuit.  It  then  embraced  fourteen 
counties  in  Virginia,  and  what  were  then  known  as 
Bute  and  Halifax  counties  in  North  Carolina.  In 
1779,  Bute  was  divided  into  Franklin  and  Warren. 
The  work  of  these  five  men,  for  the  year  ending 
May,  1776,  resulted  in  the  addition  of  eighteen  hun- 
dred souls  to  the  church.  As  Wake  joins  Franklin, 
we  find  1776  as  the  year,  when,  in  strong  probabil- 
ity, the  Methodist  revival  first  rolled  its  life-laden 
waves  near  to,  if  not  over,  the  borders  of  Wake 
county.  In  May,  1776,  there  were  six  hundred  and 
eighty-three  members  reported  in  North  Carolina. 
At  this  time  the  Carolina  Circuit  was  instituted,  and 
Edward  Drumgoole,  Francis  Poythress  and  Isaac 
Tatum  appointed  to  serve  it.  The  territory  em- 
braced in  the  circuit,  at  least  as  indicated  by  the 
name,  was,  perhaps,  the  most  extensive  to  which 
any  preacher  was  ever  appointed  in  the  history  of 
American  Methodism.  It  contained  all  of  North 
Carolina  and  Tennessee,  from  the  Atlantic  to  the 
Mississippi.  In  that  day,  what  is  now  royal  Nash- 
ville, was  a  far-away,  unenlightened,  missionary 
border  in  the  bounds  of  the  imperial  Carolina  Cir- 
cuit. 

We  see  that  in  this  year  the  territory,  on  which 
Raleigh  was  afterwards  located,  was  at  least  nom- 


80  The  Centennial  of 

inally  in  the  Carolina  Circuit.  In  the  latter  part  of 
the  year,  Bishop  Asbury  traveled  in  this  direction, 
and  we  know  that  there  was  great  revival  interest. 
Though  it  was  in  the  terrible  days  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, there  was  an  increase  of  two  hundred  and  for- 
ty-seven members  on  the  Circuit.  In  1718,  Roanoke 
circuit  was  established.  Then  the  territory  of  Ra- 
leigh was  in  that  circuit.  In  1779,  Tar  River  and 
New  Hope  Circuits  were  added.  This  locality  was 
then  embraced  in  the  TarRiver  Circuit ;  and  remain- 
ed there  until  the  erection  of  Haw  River  Circuit. 

The  first  preaching  by  a  Methodist,  at  or  near  this 
place,  so  far  as  can  be  ascertained,  was  by  Rev.  Jesse 
Lee.  In  the  summer  of  1780,  there  was  a  levy  of 
the  North  Carolina  militia,  to  raise  troops  to  oppose 
Cornwallis,  who  was  advancing  from  the  South. 
Jesse  Lee,  then  a  young  local  preacher  from  Vir- 
ginia, sojourning  with  a  relative  in  Halifax  county, 
was  among  the  drafted.  On  the  29th  of  July,  he 
joined  his  regiment,  while  it  was  encamped  near 
this  place.  From  conscientious  scruples,  he  refused 
to  take  a  musket  in  his  hands,  and  thereupon  was 
sent  to  the  guard-house.  He  found  there,  as  a  fel- 
low-prisoner, a  pious  member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 
This  brother  held  prayers  that  night.  Mr.  Lee 
promised  to  conduct  them  next  morning.  He  in- 
vited the  soldiers  to  come  and  join  in  the  service. 
As  soon  as  the  Sabbath  light  dawned,  he  began  to 
sing.  The  troops  gathered  in  hundreds  and  swelled 
"the  chorus.  The  fields  and  woods  around  rang  with 
the  hearty  melody.  Ah !  how  many  of  us  have 
heard   like   songs   in   like   circumstances !      How 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  81 

touchingly  and  grandly  soldiers  sing  at  such  hours! 
Mr.  Lee's  soul  was  filled  with  the  love  of  God.  His 
voice,  mellowed  with  emotion,  swept  around  the 
camp  with  melting  and  enchanting  power.  His 
heart  grew  warmer,  tenderer,  and  he  wept  while  he 
prayed.  The  soldiers  were  affected  and  many  wept. 
A  Mr.  Thomas,  who  kept  a  tavern  near  the  encamp- 
ment, while  still  lying  in  bed,  heard  the  impressive 
prayer,  and  he  too  was  melted  to  tears.  He  arose, 
sought  Mr.  Lee,  and  requested  him  to  preach  that 
day.  The  Colonel  being  consulted,  though  he  was 
a  profane  man,  gave  his  consent  and  even  invited 
Mr.  Lee  to  stand  upon  a  bench  by  his  door.  There, 
at  the  appointed  hour,  he  began  to  preach,  but  was 
soon  forced  by  a  shower  of  rain  to  move  into  the 
house.  It  was  a  bard  struggle  for  the  young  soldier 
of  the  Cross,  but  the  Spirit  sustained  him  and  at- 
tended his  words.  Numbers  of  privates  and  officers 
were  affected  to  tears.  The  text  was,  "  Except  ye 
repent,  ye  shall  all  likewise  perish."  How  appro- 
priate, as  the  first  proclamation  to  a  people,  soldiers 
or  citizens !  It  is  a  text  that  still  rings  out  with 
divine  authority,  after  nearly  a  century,  over  these 
same  hills. 

Mr.  Lee  preached  again  on  the  13th  of  August, 
when,  he  informs  us,  "  many  were  very  solemn  and 
some  of  them  wept  freely  under  the  preaching  of 
the  Word." 

In  July,  1780,  Bishop  Asbury  traveled  through 
Wake  and  Orange.  In  March,  1784,  he  writes,  "I 
have  had  great  times  on  Tar  River  Circuit." 

In  1786,  Tar  River  Circuit  contained  six  hundred 
11 


82  The  Centennial  of 

and  fifty  members,  and  it  is  probable  that  some  of 
them  resided  in  this  part  of  the  charge.  In  1788, 
there  was  a  great  revival  in  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina.  It  is  not  known  to  what  extent  the  gra- 
cious influence  was  felt  in  this  vicinity. 

We  may  readily  imagin  ;  that  the  enterprising 
itinerants  visited  homes  immediately  around  this 
spot,  before  the  Capital  was  located ;  and  that 
they  came  and  preached  in  the  houses  of  some  of 
the  first  settlers.  As  there  was  no  church  building 
here,  for  more  than  twelve  years  after  the  city  was 
founded,  we  can  easily  believe  that  the  zealous  cir- 
cuit rider  watched  the  progress  of  the  public  build- 
ings with  impatient  hope,  and  occupied  them  as 
soon  as  they  were  finished.  Ministers  of  various 
denominations  preached  in  the  Court  House  and 
the  Capitol,  until  churches  were  erected.  So  we 
may  put  down  the  visits  of  the  Methodist  itinerants 
to  Raleigh,  and  preaching  by  them  in  those  public 
buildings,  as  early  as  1794;  and  there  may  have 
been  occasional,  if  not  regular,  Methodist  services 
here,  from  that  date.  There  is,  however,  no  record 
of  any  class  or  members  here,  prior  to  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Raleigh  circuit  in  1807. 

Rev.  Hezekiah  McLelland  traveled  the  Haw  Riv- 
er Circuit  in  1806.  He  published  reminiscences  of 
his  itinerant  life,  in  the  Christian  Sentinel,  in  Rich- 
mond, in  1832.  He  states  that  Raleigh  was,  at  the 
date  of  1806,  on  the  Haw  River  Circuit.  The  first 
appearance  of  that  circuit  in  the  minutes  is  in  1793, 
but  it  is  not  mentioned  again  until  1797.  So  we 
record  Raleigh  territory  as  taken  out  of  Tar  and 


Methodism  m  North  Carolina.  83 

into  Haw  River  Circuit,  in  1797.  Haw  River  Circuit 
then  extended  East  to  Edward  Morriss',  which  was 
about  half  a  mile  from  Huntsville  on  the  Raleigh 
and  Gaston  railroad.  Edward  Morriss  had  been  an 
active  traveling  preacher  in  the  Virginia  Conference. 
He  removed  to  Tennessee. 
We  now  consider 

The  Known  Introduction  and  Future  History  of 
Methodism. 

Under  date  of  Thursday,  March  6th,  1800,  Bishop 
Asbury  writes  :  "  We  came  to  Raleigh,  the  seat  of 
Government.  I  preached  in  the  State  House  :  not- 
withstanding this  day  was  very  cold  and  snowy,  we 
had  many  people  to  hear.  I  baptized  a  child  and 
came  that  evening  to  Tomas  Proctor's."  The  Bishop 
did  not  neglect  the  children.  How  often  he  records 
in  his  journal  the  baptism  of  infants  !  On  one  of  his 
visits  to  this  community,  he  baptized  Mrs,  Price,  a 
devoted  and  excellent  Methodist,  who  resided  and 
recently  died  near  this  city. 

In  1804,  he  informs  us  of  a  great  revival  on  what 
he  calls  "that  ancient  and  good  circuit  of  Tar." 
We  assume  that  the  work  reached  the  adjoining 
circuit.  About  this  time  camp-meetings  were  first 
held  in  this  part  of  the  State,  and  some  were  con- 
ducted during  this  year  on  Tar  River  Circuit ;  per- 
haps near  enough  to  attract  visitors  from  Raleigh. 

In  1805  or  1806,  we  date  the  erection  of  the  first 
church  building  in  Raleigh,  by  William  Glenden- 
ing.     Who  was  he  ?     He  was  one  of  the  Old  Line 


84  The  Centennial  of 

of  itinerants.  lie  was  a  native  of  Scotland.  He 
joined  the  Conference  at  Philadelphia  in  1775,  and 
was  sent,  with  five  others,  to  Brunswick  Circuit ; 
thus  being  among  the  first  to  preach  Methodism  in 
North  Carolina.  In  1778,  he  was  the  only  preacher 
on  Roanoke  circuit.  During  this  year,  he  was  the 
pastor  of  young  Jesse  Lee  and  appointed  him  class- 
leader.  He  traveled  and  labored  for  several  years 
in  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  Maryland  and  Penn- 
sylvania. In  1784,  he  was  proposed  for  Elder's  or- 
ders, but  was  not  deemed  qualified  for  the  trust' 
He  was  a  singular  character.  At  this  Conference 
he  fell  into  a  morbid  spiritual  state  which  soon  de- 
veloped into  insanity.  lie  stopped  preaching  in 
June,  1785,  on  account  of  the  condition  of  his  mind  ; 
and  in  17S6,  he  formally  located.  Still,  he  appears 
next  year,  as  the  recipient  of  the  greater  part  of  the 
fund  for  the  superannuated.  He  is  last  mentioned 
in  the  minutes  in  1790,  when  he  was  again  assisted 
by  the  Conference.  In  1792,  he  applied  for  re-ad- 
mission but  was  not  received.  He  was  subject  to 
violent  paroxysms  of  insanity,  in  which  he  some- 
times indulged  in  horrid  blasphemy.  He  was  much 
embittered  against  Bishop  Asbury,  probably  on  ac- 
count of  supposed  severity  in  the  matter  of  his  re- 
jection for  ordination  and  re-admission;  and  he 
wrote  an  autobiography  in  which  he  assailed  the 
Bishop  with  virulence.  A  few  copies  of  his  book 
are  still  extant.  It  appears  that  there  was  some 
improvement  in  his  mind  for  some  years  after  this 
period.  He  came  to  Raleigh  about  1805.  He  re- 
sided and  kept  a  grocery -store  on  Newbern  Avenue, 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  85 

on  the  lot  opposite  the  old  State  Bank — the  present 
Episcopal  Rectory — in  the  same  house  that  stands 
there  at  this  day.  Notwithstanding  his  mental  af- 
fliction, he  was  quite  successful  as  a  merchant  and 
accumulated  considerable  property.  Out  of  his  own 
means  he  built  a  house  of  worship  on  Blount  street, 
between  Morgan  and  Hargett,  on  the  lot  in  the  rear 
of  Harp's  Coach  Factory,  and  on  the  very  spot  where 
Mr.  Harp's  residence  stands.  To  this  building  he 
gave  the  name  of  Bethel.  He  was  an  intimate 
friend  of  James  O'Kelly  and  joined  with  him  in  his 
secession.  Hence  he  was  not  a  Methodist  while  he 
resided  at  Raleigh.  He  conducted  services  in  his 
little  chapel,  preaching  to  whomsoever  would  at- 
tend ;  doubtless  always  having  hearers,  as  it  was 
known  that  he  preached  "without  fee  or  reward." 
His  accent  was  broken  and  his  gesticulation  wild 
and  violent;  yet  with  all  his  idiosyncracies  he  is 
said  to  have  accomplished  good  in  this  community. 
How  Bishop  Asbury  regarded  his  violent  assault, 
may  be  judged  from  this  entry  in  his  journal,  des- 
cribing his  visit  to  Raleigh  on  his  return  from  the 
Conference  at  Fayetteville  in  1814:  "William 
Glendening  and  I  met  and  embraced  each  other  in 
peace."  Mr.  Glendening's  mental  condition  grew 
worse,  as  his  age  advanced,  and  at  length  rendered 
it  necessary  for  him  to  have  a  guardian.  This  deli- 
cate relation  was  imposed  upon  the  late  William 
Boylan.  A  very  amusing  story  is  given  of  the  first 
interview  between  him  and  his  ward.  The  afflicted 
old  preacher  would  sometimes  rail  most  blasphem- 
ously against  the  Savior.  Not  long  before  his  death, 


86  The  Centennial  of 

I  have  heard,  he  was  blessed  with  a  return  of  rea- 
son, and  in  his  last  hours  bowed  by  his  bed  and 
poured  forth  a  prayer  of  great  power.  His  days 
were  ended  in  the  summer  of  1816.  The  church 
he  built  was  sometimes  occupied  by  the  Methodist 
ministers. 

Raleigh  Circuit  was  formed  at  the  Conference 
held  at  Newbern,  K  C,  February  2,  1807.  The 
greater  part,  it  appe  irs,  was  taken  from  Haw  River 
Circuit.  Christopher  S.  Mooring  was  appointed  in 
charge,  and  Gray  Williams  as  he 'per.  The  precise 
outlines  of  the  circuit  have  not  been  ascertained. 
It  extended  to  the  lines  of  the  Newbern,  Pamlico, 
Roanoke,  Tar  and  Haw  River  Circuits.  The  whole 
territory,  from  the  Yadkin  and  Catawba  region  to 
the  sea-coast,  was  then  embraced  in  two  presiding 
elder  districts,  the  Salisbury  andNewbern.  At  this 
time  the  population  of  Raleigh  was  very  small.  A 
census  taken  March  23d,  1S07,  gave  eighty-five 
families,  compromising  four  hundred  and  thirty- 
three  whites  and  three  hundred  and  three  colored. 
As  a  few,  oubtless,  lived  just  beyond  the  corpora- 
tion, we  may  place  the  number  of  whites  at  about 
five  hundred. 

In  the  year  1808,  Rev.  William  L.  Turner,  of 
Virginia,  came  to  Raleigh  and  took  charge  of  the 
Raleigh  Academy  and  Presbyterian  Church.  He 
removed  to  Fayetteville  in  1809.  In  March,  1810, 
William  White,  who  afterwards  b  <  ame  one  of  the 
leading  Methodists,  being  secretary  of  the  Academy, 
advertised  that  the  trustees  had  engaged  the  Rev. 
William  B.  McPheeters  to  be  principal  of  that  school 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  87 

and  "pastor  of  the  city  "/  and  that  he  would  enter 
upon  his  duties  on  or  before  the  1st  of  March,  1811. 
Mr.  McPheeters  was  a  Presbyterian. 

The  Raleigh  District  wras  erected  in  1810.  On 
the  7th  of  February,  1811,  Conference  met  in  Ra- 
leigh for  the  first  time.  It  represented  Methodism 
from  the  Rhappahannock  to  the  Cape  Fear.  Bishop 
Asbury  arrived  on  the  7th.  He  states  that  on  next 
day,  Wednesday,  he  enjoyed  some  very  agreeable 
interviews  with  his  brethren.  On  Sabbath,  the  11th, 
he  says  "  I  preached  in  the  State  House  to  two  thou- 
sand souls,  I  presume.  We  have  had  and  mean  to 
have  whilst  Conference  is  in  session,  preaching  three 
times  a  day:  meeting  sometimes  hohls  till  mid- 
night." Bishop  McKendree  was  here.  Also  Henry 
Boehm,  the  centenarian,  who  recently  died.  Fifty 
members  of  Conference  wTere  present.  Fifteen  were 
admitted  on  trial,  nine  located  and  two  dropped. 

Two  years  before,  at  Tarboro",  of  eighty-four 
preachers  only  three  were  married  So  wTe  may  in- 
fer that  of  the  fifty  who  were  here,  nearly  all  wTere 
single.  During  the  session  a  collection  was  taken 
for  the  benefit  of  the  New  England  preachers.  The 
labors  of  the  earnest  and  powerful  itinerants  were 
abundantly  blessed  at  this  Conference.  An  over- 
whelming revival  broke  out;  and  the  old  State 
House,  so  often  the  scene  of  festive  delights  and 
political  excitements,  now  rang  day  and  night  with 
sermons  and  songs  and  cries  and  shouts.  To  one 
looking  down  from  the  gallery  of  the  hall  in  which 
the  meeting  was  held,  it  sometimes  appeared  that 
the  whole  congregation  were  in  an  ebullition  of  re- 


88  The  Centennial  of 

ligious  enthusiasm.  Raleigh  had  never  witnessed 
the  like  before.  It  was  its  first  experience  of  a 
Methodist  revival.  Indeed,  it  was  the  first  revival 
gale  that  ever  swept  through  the  city.  Strong- 
minded,  cultivated  people  were  prostrated  by  its 
power,  like  giants  of  the  forest  before  a  storm.  The 
children  looked  on  in  wonder  and  were  sometimes 
frightened  by  the  strange,  startling  scenes.  It  was 
the  first  victory  of  Methodist  doctrine  and  usage  in 
the  Capital.  The  ess  on  of  the  Conference  made  a 
lasting  impression  on  Bishop  Asbury's  mind.  Re- 
visiting the  place  in  181-1,  he  writes,  "After  all  rea- 
sonable allowances  for  drawbacks,  we  cannot  yet 
tell  all  the  good  that  was  done  by  our  Conference 
in  Raleigh  in  1811."  One  of  the  first  results  was 
the  erection  of  the  first  Methodist  Church.  It  was 
a  wooden  structure,  fifty  by  sixty  feet,  and  stood 
on  the  site  of  the  Edenton  Street  Church  of  the  pre- 
sent. It  was  the  first  house  of  worship  built  by  any 
denomination  in  the  city.  It  was  finished  in  1811. 
The  late  Gov.  Swain,  in  bis  lectures  on  Early  Times 
in  Raleigh,  stated  hat  the  Presbyterians  were  the 
first  to  leave  tlte  State  House  and  worship  in  their 
own  edifice,  and  places  the  building  of  their  church 
in  1817.  It  wa  commenced  in  L815  and  was  oc- 
cupied in  1817;  but  the  Methodists  had.finished 
theirs  over  five  years  before.  There  is  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  the  old  wooden  Baptist  Church,  that  stood 
so  long  on  the  square  known  as  Baptist  Grove,  was 
erected  or  moved  into  the  city  not  very  long  after 
the  Methodists  completed  theirs.  The  old  structure 
has  been  removed  to  the  southwestern  border  of  the 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  89 

city,  is  now  known  as  Hays'  Church.,  and  is  occupied 
by  a  colored  congregation  of  the  hristian  denomin- 
ation. There  was  no  Episcopal  Church  until  1829. 
Prior  to  that  time  Bishop  Raven scroft  preached  oc- 
casionally in  the  old  Museum,  which  stood  near  the 
present  Market  House.  Their  first  edifice  was  lo- 
cated on  the  lot  on  which  Christ  Church  is  situated. 
It  was  sold  to  the  Methodists  and  moved  to  the 
western  end  of  Edenton  street,  where  it  is  now  used 
by  a  congregation  of  one  of  the  colored  Methodist 
churches. 

The  lot  on  which  Edenton  Street  Church  and 
parsonage  are  located,  was  donated  to  the  Methodist 
by  Hon.  Wiley  Jones.*     The  situation  is  beautiful. 

The  street  in  front  is  the  highest  point  in  the  cor- 
porate limits.  The  grounds  are  so  extensive  and  so 
bounded  that  the  church  is  comparatively  free  from 
the  liability  to  unpleasant  or  injurious  surroundings. 
The  location  is  most  eligible,  although  it  involves 
temporary  disadvantage ;  it  being  farther  from  the 
present  business-centre  and  less  convenient  to  a  ma- 
jority of  the  population,  than  the  leading  churches 
of  other  denominations.  In  a  few  years  this  now 
seeming  misfortune  will,  very  probably,  result  in  se- 


*One  of  the  oldest  and  most  trustworthy  members  of  the 
church  informs  me  that  the  donor  was  the  son  of  Hon.  Wiley 
Jones,  whose  name  was  also  Wiley ;  but  I  follow  the  state- 
ment of  Rev.  R.  O.  Burton,  who  married  the  step-daughter 
of  sister  Joyner,  the  daughter  of  the  old  patriot.  Dr.  Win. 
G.  Hill's  recollection  of  his  father's  assertions  about  it,  sus- 
tains the  opinion  of  brother  Burton. 

12 


90  The  Centennial  of 

curing  the  vantage-ground,  throughout  the  city,  to 
the  Methodists. 

The  name  of  the  donor  of  this  invaluable  property 
is  worthy  of  a  prominent  place  in  these  annals. 

Wiley  Jones 

was  a  citizen  of  Halifax  county.  He  was  an  active 
and  distinguished  patriot  in  the  Revolution.  He 
was  a  delegate  to  the  Convention  of  patriots  at  New- 
bern  in  1774  and  1775  ;  President  of  the  State  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  which  was  about  equal  to  the  office 
of  Governor,  in  1776 ;  member  of  the  Continental 
Congress  in  1780;  elected  to  the  Convention  that 
framed  the  Federal  Constitution,  but  declined;  and 
was  on  the  committee  that  drafted  the  Bill  of  Rights 
and  Constitution  of  North  Carolina.  Though  a 
different  opinion  has  prevailed,  it  is  reasonably  as- 
serted that  he  was  the  author  of  the  Constitution. 
His  well-known  ability  for  drafting  bills  is  presump- 
tive evidence  of  the  assertion.  He  married  the 
daughter  of  Col.  Montfort,  the  lady  who,  when  Col. 
Tarleton  reflected  on  the  illiteracy  of  Col.  Washing- 
ton, and  intimated  that  he  could  not  even  write  his 
name,  gave  the  withering  reply:  "Ah,  Colonel; 
you  ought  to  know  better ;  for  you  bear,  on  your 
person,  proof  that  he  knows  very  well  how  to  make 
his  mark.,,  Mr.  Jones  lies  buried  near  the  eastern 
limit  of  the  city,  at  the  place  where  Matthew  Shaw 
formerly  lived.  According  to  his  own  singular  re- 
quest, his  remains  were  placed  in  the  grave  North 
and  South. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  91 

At  the  Conference  of  1811,  this  appointment  was 
converted  into  a  station  and  Canellum  H.  Bines 
appointed  as  pastor.  So,  when  the  excellent  Mr. 
McPheeters  arrived,  he  found  a  worthy  Methodist 
co-laborer  here ;  while  John  Buxton  as  presiding 
elder,  and  LeRoy  Merritt  on  the  surrounding  circuit, 
added  their  valuable  support.  At  this  juncture  the 
population  of  Raleigh  was  six  or  seven  hundred 
whites.  Twelve  months  afterwards  the  member- 
ship of  the  station,  now  reported  for  the  first  time, 
was  thirty-two  whites  and  forty-four  colored.     In 

1814,  the  church  was  put  back  on   the   circuit ;  in 

1815,  changed  to  a  station  ;  in  1817,  again  added  to 
the  circuit;  in  1820,  made  a  station,  and  has  con- 
tinued such  to  this  day. 

In  1816,  the  Virginia  Conference  met  here  for  the 
second  time,  Bishop  McKendree,  presiding.  It  is 
not  known  whether  Bishop  Asbury  attended.  If  so, 
it  is  presumed  that  his  extremely  bad  health,  so  fast 
hastening  his  end,  prevented  his  taking  any  part  in 
the  public  exercises.  Thirty-nine  members  of  Con- 
ference were  present  and  twelve  admitted  on  trial. 

In  1819,  a  young  man,  of  fine  appearance  and 
promising  talents,  from  the  adjacent  country,  en- 
tered the  office  of  a  lawyer  in  Raleigh,  with  the 
purpose  to  prepare  himself  for  the  legal  profession. 
He  brought  with  him,  from  his  pious  home,  an  abid- 
ing conviction  of  his  duty  to  God  and  the  necessity 
of  seeking  to  be  saved  from  his  sins.  He  had  been 
a  penitent  for  three  years.  Doubtless  the  sacred 
fire  in  his  heart  was  nursed  to  increasing  warmth 
by  the  fervid  sermons  of  Charlton  and  Leigh.     One 


92  The  Centennial  of 

night,  in  his  lonely  room,  he  bowed  before  the 
Throne  of  Grace  with  the  resolution  that  is  sure  to 
bring  victory.  He  wrestled  in  prayer  till  midnight — 
on  far  beyond  midnight;  aye,  Jacob-like,  till  the 
morning  light  was  near.  He  continued  the  struggle 
until,  at  last,  God  revealed  himself  in  the  baptism 
of  peace  and  love,  and  made  that  October  morning 
the  vernal  hour  of  his  soul.  That  young  man  was 
the  long-useful  and  honored,  but  now  sainted,  Thos. 
Crowder,  of  the  Virginia  Conference.  He  was  called 
by  the  Spirit  from  the  profession  of  the  law  to  the 
arduous  and  honorable  profession  of  the  ministry, 
and  was  admitted  into  the  Conference  at  the  session 
in  this  city  in  1821.  He  is  a  nea  relative  of  that 
veteran  agent  of  the  American  Tract  Society  and 
devoted  minister  in  the  local  ranks,  W.  J.  W. 
Crowder,  now  a  member  of  Edenton  Street  Church. 

The  second  great  Methodist  revival  in  Raleigh  oc- 
curred in  1820,  when  Peyton  Anderson  was  pastor. 
It  is  stated  that  many  students  of  he  Seminary  em- 
braced religion,  and  most  of  them  joined  the  Meth- 
odist Church.  They  are  described  as  holding  "  an 
honorable  and  worthy  standing  among  the  truly 
pious.'1  This  seminary  was  under  the  superintend- 
ence of  Dr.  McPheeters.  and  embraced  both  a  male 
and  female  department.  The  latter  was  under  the 
immediate  supervision  of  Mrs.  E.  Nye,  the  near  re- 
lative of  Dr.  E.  Nye  Hutchinson,  of  Charlotte. 
Evidently  the  good  and  learned  "pastor  of  the  city  " 
found  his  Methodist  brethren  helpful  co-laborers. 

Considering  the  eminent  ability  and.  unquestion- 
able fidelity  of  the  several  pastors,  it  is  remarkable 


Methodism  m  North  Carolina  93 

that  in  the  first  ten  years  after  the  church  of  Ra- 
leigh is  first  reported  as  to  numbers,  it  reached  to 
only  forty-eigh,  whites  and  sixty-eight  colored.  At 
this  date,  182!,  the  population  of  the  city  was  two 
thousand  six  h  ndred  and  seventy-: our;  of  these 
eleven  hundred  and  seventy-seven  were  whites. 
In  studying  the  religious  history  of  the  St  te,  I 
have  been  impressed  with  the  idea,  that,  from  the 
beginning  of  the  war  of  1812  to  about  the  year  1820, 
there  was  extraordinary  depression  in  the  religious 
interests  of  North  Carolina.  Perhaps  we  may  justly 
call  the  period  from  L810  to  1820,  the  dark  decade. 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  in  Raleigh  again, 
February  28th,  1821,  Bishop  George,  presiding. 
During  the  year,  there  was  a  gracious  visitation  to 
the  church  in  the  State.  There  was  a  great  awa- 
kening in  the  region  around  the  city.  A  camp- 
meeting  was  held  at  Whitaker's,  about  five  miles 
from  Raleigh,  at  which  there  were  forty  tents, 
seventeen  ministers  and  about  forty  converts.  This 
meeting,  with  others,  is  described  in  a  letter  writ- 
ten from  Raleigh,  by  Rev.  Henry  Hardy,  to  the  old 
Methodist  Magazine.  We  may  assume  that  this 
meeting  was  attended  by  Methodists  and  others  re- 
siding in  the  city,  and  that,  in  this  way,  the  influ- 
ence benefitted  this  church.  Alt  ough  !  find  no 
record  of  a  revival  here  during  the  year,  I  discover 
that  there  was  a  great  increase  in  the  membership 
— almost  as  great  as  for  the  whole  nine  preceding 
years.  This  may  have  resulted  largely  from  the 
successful  meeting  of  the  previous  year. 

There  was  an  outpouring  of  the  Spirit  in  1826, 


94  The  Centennial  of 

under  George  W.  Charlton.  Tlie  reported  numbers 
at  the  end  of  the  year  show  an  increase  of  only  fif- 
teen whites  and  three  colored  ;  but  the  converts  du- 
ring the  meeting  were  more  than  fifty. 

From  the  minutes  of  the  Conference  it  is  evident 
that  for  several  years  the  numerical  strength  of  the 
church  here  varied  comparatively  little — sometimes 
diminishing,  sometimes  increasing.  The  greater 
increase  was  among  the  colored.  Altogether  but 
little  progress  was  apparent  for  a  considerable  length 
of  time.  Still  the  faithful  laborers  were  laying  a 
sure  foundation  and  now  and  then  adding  invalua- 
ble material.  The  history  of  the  church  for  the  first 
thirty  years  is  memorable  for  the  ingathering  of 
as  noble  models  of  christian  excellence  as  have 
ever  adorned  the  temples  of  North  Carolina  Meth- 
odism. To  this  is  due,  in  great  degree,  the  perpet- 
uation of  so  much  of  evangelical  spirit  and  fervent 
simplicity  in  the  congregation  even  to  this  day. 

To  give  an  idea  of  the  church  in  these  years,  I 
add  brief  statements  from  two  of  the  oldest  of  the 
pastors  who  yet  survive.  Rev.  Bennett  T.  Blake 
was  stationed  here  in  1  827  ;  finished  the  year  1831, 
after  Melville  B.  Cox  left  for  Africa;  and  labored 
the  whole  year  1811,  in  the  place  of  William  S. 
Johnson,  whose  health  had  failed. 

Brother  Blake  informs  us  that  in  1827  there  were 
three  classes  in  the  church :  the  older  whites,  the 
more  youthful  whites,  who  met  at  Iluffin  Tucker's, 
and  the  colored  members.  There  was  a  Union  Sun- 
day school,  in  which  Presbyterians,  Baptists  and 
Methodists  joined.     This  was  soon  dissolved,  and, 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  95 

before  long,  multiplied  into  a  school  for  each  church, 
with  as  many  in  each  as  the  one  school  had  contained. 
A  colored  Sunday  school  was  held  in  the  church 
every  Sunday  for  the  colored  people,  until  the  cir- 
culation of  abolition  papers  created  apprehensions 
of  evil  consequences.  There  was  a  revival  among 
the  colored,  this  year,  in  which  about  one  hundred 
were  converted.  Of  these  co  o  ed  brethren,  brother 
Blake  remarks,  "many  of  them  were  eminently 
pious  and  had  extraordinary  gifts  for  prayer  and 
exhortation."  He  became  much  attached  to  them  ; 
and,  on  leaving  the  charge,  was  so  affected  by  the 
tokens  of  their  love,  that  he  wept  more  than  at  any 
previous  separation  from  his  people.  Some  of  the 
white  members  of  that  day  possessed  and  displayed 
the  virtues  of  the  true  saints,  without  the  follies  of 
vain  ceremonials  or  the  pseudo-sanctity  of  the  con- 
vent. For  the  whole  year  1827,  brother  Blake's 
salary  was  one  hundred  dollars  ;  and  he  received  no 
pecuniary  compensation  whatever  for  his  arduous 
services  in  1831  and  1841. 

During  the  last-named  year,  he  kept  the  church 
together  when  they  had  no  house  of  worship  of  their 
own ;  preaching  in  the  old  church  in  the  Baptist 
Grove  in  the  morning,  and  sometimes  in  the  Baptist 
(now  Catholic)  Church  at  night.  I  pause  in  this 
narrative,  to  record  the  present  fortune  of  this  cher- 
ished veteran  of  the  Cross.  He  is  spending  his  clos- 
ing years  in  peaceful  retirement,  at  his  home  near 
this  city.  He  is  sustained  by  all-conquering  faith 
and  "rejoices  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God."  His 
every-day  life  is  a  comment  on  the  gospel.     His 


96  The  Centennial  of 

presence  is  full  of  inspiration  to  trust  and  love  the 
Saviour.  His  amiable  soul  thirsts  for  the  company 
of  his  ministerial  brethren.  In  recent  letters  to  me, 
he  writes  touchingly  of  his  approaching  end,  and 
begs  that  the  pr  achers  will  helph  m  in  their  pray- 
ers. Honor,  peace  and  victory  to  the  faithful  old 
soldier ! 

Rev.  George  W.  Nolley  was  stationed  here  in 
1829.  Under  date  of  January  27th,  1876,  he  wrote 
me:  "I  remember  a  small  but  very  interesting 
membership  in  our  church  at  that  time,  at  the  head 
of  whom  stood  the  venerable  William  Hill.  *  * 
There  were  some  noble  and  exemplary  female  mem- 
bers of  the  church,  some  of  whom  were  particularly 
devoted  to  class-meetings.  In  the  course  of  that 
year  I  formed  the  acquaintance  of  the  distinguished 
William  Gaston,  of  your  State.  In  a  conversation 
with  him,  on  one  occasion,  upon  the  character  of 
the  different  churches,  he  remarked  that  '  The  Meth- 
odist Church  had  the  best  organization  of  any  church 
in  the  land.'  (Judge  Gaston  was  a  Roman  Catholic. 
He  is  also  credited  with  the  remark,  '  Give  me  the 
Methodist  Discipline  and  I  can  govern  the  world.') 
Brother  Nolley  continues  :  "  I  spent  a  most  delight- 
ful year  in  the  homes  of  Benjamin  King  and  Benj. 
Smith,  with  their  interesting  families." 

In  1831,  there  were  eighty-five  white  members 
and  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  colored.  In  1837, 
during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Edward  Wadsworth, 
there  was  a  glorious  meeting,  in  which  a  large  num- 
ber were  converted.  Dr.  Smith  Moore,  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi Conference,  author  of  '  Our  Church  in  Sand- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  97 

burg,'  was  one  of  the  number.  In  1839,  the  first 
church  building  was  consumed  by  an  accidental  fire. 
Steps  were  taken,  immediately,  to  erect  another  and 
better  house  of  worship.  The  building  committee 
were  Kuffin  Tucker,  Talbot  H.  Selby  andEldridge 
Smith.  The  building  was  completed  in  1841.  This 
is  the  Edenton  Street  Church  of  to-day.  When  it 
was  built,  the  late  Judge  Cameron  reflected  upon 
it  as  so  fine  as  to  be  inconsistent  with  the  admirable 
simplicity  of  Methodism. 

In  1812  and  1843,  Sidney  D.  Bumpass  was  the 
pastor.     As  there  was  a  debt  upon  the. church,  the 
congregation  desired  a  single  pastor.     Better  judg- 
ment prevailed.  Early  in  January  of  1842,  arrange- 
ments were  made  to  liquidate  the  debt.  The  pastor 
entered  upon  his  work  with  the  prayer  that  God 
would  give  him  two  hundred  converts  that  year. 
The  good  work  soon  began,  and  there  was  a  great 
revival  in  January,  February  and  March.    When  the 
spring  opened,  brother  Bumpass  wrote:    "Baleigh 
seems  to  me  like  a  Paradise,  amid  the  verdure  of 
spring,  the  singing  of  birds  and  the  rejoicings  of 
young  converts."     The  spirit  and  power  of  the  work 
of  grace  remained  with  the  church  throughout  the 
year.     At  its   close,    the   excellent   pastor  wrote: 
"  The  prayer  I  offered  at  the  beginning  of  the  year, 
that  God  would  convert  two  hundred  souls,  has'been 
fully  realized  ;  and  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  have 
joined  the  Methodist  Church."     This,  I  regard,  the 
first  work  that  brought  the  church  to  a  high,  com- 
manding eminence  in  the  community.     It  really 
seemed  to  be,  in  part  at  least,  the  expression  of  di- 
13 


gs  The  Centennial  of 

vine  approval  of  the  sacrifices  made  by  the  congre- 
gation in  building  the  new  house.  At  the  re-build- 
ing of  the  temple,  God  said,  "From  this  day  will  I 
bless  thee."  Oh,  that  theKaleigh  Methodists  and 
their  friends  of  to-day  had  the  faith  to  trust  God  in 

the  same  way ! 

In  1843,  there  was  still  a  lingering  revival  influ- 
ence, and  souls  were  converted.  Ah!  How  could 
a  church  fail  to  prosper,  with  Sidney  Bumpass  for 
the  pastor  and  Frances  M,  Bumpass  for  the  pastor  s 

wife  1 

In  1843,  a  society  was  also  formed  to  supply  poor 
children  with  the  requisite  clothing  and  bring  them 
to  the  Sabbath  school. 

In  1844  and  1845,  Rev.  Dr.  John  E.  Edwards  was 
pastor.     He  states  that  he  found  the  church  in  good 
condition,  and  that  it  prospered  and  grew  while  he 
was  here.     Rev.  John  Newland  Maffitt  .visited  the 
church  in  1844,  and  preached  "'with  wonderful  pow- 
er and  eloquence:'     There  was  another  revival  in 
which  there  were  a  number  of  converts  and  valu- 
able accessions.  The  colored  membership  was  large 
at  that  time.    Some  of  the  colored  people  were  truly 
interesting  and  worthy  christians.     They  filled  the 
galleries  at  the  morning  and  evening  services,  and 
had  their  own  meetings,  often  with  preaching  by  the 
pastor,  in  the  afternoon.     This  order  of  things  is 
well  remembered  by  many  of  us,  in  our  work  before 
and  during  the  war.     The  history  of  religion  among 
the  colored  people  in  Raleigh  would  make  a  highly 
entertaining  sketch.     For  several  years  before  the 
war  they  had  their  own  church.     Some  of  the  best 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  99 

and  ablest  men  in  our  Conference  were  their  regu- 
lar pastors.  They  outnumbered  the  white  members ; 
a  fact  that  of  itself  attests  the  fidelity  of  those  who 
were  appointed  to  labor  for  them.  They  enjoyed 
the  benefits  of  an  interesting  Sabbath  school,  under 
the  direction  of  their  pastors.  I  fear  that  the  day 
will  never  return,  when  there  will  be  such  mutual 
interest,  trust  and  christian  affection  between  the 
white  and  colored  Methodists,  as  existed  in  those 
days.  The  best  friends,  the  colored  Methodists 
ever  had  were  the  white  Southern  Methodists,  and 
I  rejoice  to  say  that  we  are  ready  to  be  their  best 
friends  again. 
Dr.  Edwards  mentions,  especially,  old  Uncle  Geo. 
Smith,  who  was  his  "spiritual  thermometer."  He 
says,  "  every  body  believed  in  old  George." 

There  was  no  parsonage  here  up  to  that  time. 
The  preachers  boarded.  The  allowance,  then,  was 
board  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  The  en- 
tire annual  expense  of  the  charge  was  not  one  thou- 
sand dollars,  and  yet  it  appeared  to  be  all  that  the 
charge  could  raise.  The  pastor  wrote  for  Mr.  Col- 
lins, the  Comptroller  of  the  State,  to  supplement 
his  insufficient  salary. 

In  1846,  the  Mission  Chapel  was  built.  The  en- 
terprise was  suggested  and  urged  by  Bennett  T. 
Blake.  One  of  the  leading  spirits  in  the  movement 
was  Alsey  Tucker.  The  trustees,  who  aided  much 
in  the  enterprise,  were  Thomas  J.  Lemay,  Ruffin 
Tucker,  George  T.  Cooke,  Henry  J.  Brown,  Henry 
Porter,  James  T.  Marriott,  William  White,  L.  W. 
Peck,  and  Eldridge  Smith.     Its  history  has  been 


100  The  Centennial  op 

similar  to  the  usual  history  of  such  appointments. 
It  has  enjoyed  the  valuable  labors  of  many  truly 
excellent  ministers.  It  has  fluctuated  in  its  condi- 
tion, sometimes,  appearing  to  prosper,  sometimes 
lapsing  into  discouraging  decline.  But  it  has  been 
the  means  of  great  good.  Many  precious  souls  have 
been  converted  and  saved  through  its  influence. 
Last  year,  there  was  an  extensive  revival  in  its  con- 
gregation, which  resulted  in  the  enlargement  and 
beautifying  of  the  little  chapel  and  promises  to  be 
the  beginning  of  much  greater  usefulness  for  the 
years  to  come. 

The  year  1846  is  memorable,  mainly,  as  the  be- 
ginning of  the  ever-to-be-regretted  trouble  that  fell 
like  a  withering  sirocco  on  the  Methodist  Church 
in  Raleigh,  and  swept  on,  like  a  tempest  of  evil,  till 
it  had  spread  its  baneful  influence  over  two  Confer- 
ences. But  God  is  a  refuge  for  his  people  and  a 
safe  pavilion  for  his  cause — in  every  storm.  Even 
amid  the  strife,  the  work  moved  hopefully  forward. 
In  1847,  there  was  another  profitable  meeting  in 
Edenton  Street  Church,  under  Robert  O.  Burton. 
During  that  year  began  the  efforts  that  resulted  in 
the  building  of  the  parsonage.  Brother  Burton  suc- 
ceeded in  obtaining  furniture  for  it ;  rather  like  be- 
ginning at  the  conclusion.  The  parsonage  was  built 
in  1852  and  1853,  under  William  E.  Pell,  and  first 
occupied  by  N".  F.  Reid. 

In  1851  'and  1852,  Rev.  Peter  Doub,  D.  D.,  was 
pastor.  lie  had  charge,  at  least  part  of  the  time, 
of  Edenton  Street  Church,  the  Mission  Chapel,  and 
the  African  Mission,  and  generally  preached  three 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  101 

times  on  Sunday,  in  addition  to  the  many  other  du- 
ties connected  with  the  appointment.  Again  God 
poured  out  his  Holy  Spirit  on  the  church,  and  many 
were  converted  and  gathered  to  her  altar.  While 
here,  Dr.  Doub  preached  a  series  of  sermons  on  the 
subject  of  Baptism  and  Communion,  mainly  in  re- 
ply to  a  series  preached  by  a  Rev.  Mr.  Reynolds,  a 
Baptist  minister.  You  know  our  esteemed  Baptist 
brethren  nearly  always  force  these  discussions  upon 
us — assailing  us  or  our  doctrines  so  that  we  must  ad- 
vance to  our  own  defence.  These  sermons  were  re- 
garded (I  have  heard)  as  settling  the  questions  in 
the  church  and  community.  Possibly  it  was  a  pam- 
phlet containing  part  or  all  of  these  sermons  of  Dr. 
Doub  that  accomplished  what  I  will  now  state  : 
Out  in  Missouri,  a  number  of  years  ago,  a  young 
man,  the  son  of  a  pious  Baptist  lady,  attended  a 
Methodist  meeting  and  was  convicted  and  convert- 
ed. He  very  soon  became  sensible  that  it  was  his 
duty  to  be  a  herald  of  the  Cross.  He  loved  those 
who  had  been  directly  instrumental  in  his  conver- 
sion, and  was  inclined  to  the  Methodists  ;  but  he  had 
serious  doubts  about  baptism.  The  Methodist  cir- 
cuit-rider placed  in  his  hands  a  pamphlet  by  Peter 
Doub,  on  Baptism  and  Communion.  The  young 
man  has  grown  to  be  much  older.  He  was  in  North 
Carolina  last  year  and  made  this  statement:  (He 
is  on  the  platform  to-night  and  hears  this  statement :) 
"  I  did  not  know  who  Peter  Doub  was.  I  had 
never  heard  of  him  before.  But  that  pamphlet  for- 
ever settled  my  doubts  on  that  question,  and  I  have 
never  had  any  since."     That  young  man,  thus  con- 


102  The  Centennial  of 

vinced  by  Peter  Doub's  pamphlet,  is  now  our  be- 
loved Bishop,  E.  M.  Marvin. 

At  this  stage  of  the  church,  Bennett  T.  Blake 
was  conducting  a  large  female  seminary  here,  with 
perhaps  a  hundred  pupils  or  more;  thus  aiding  ex- 
ceedingly the  general  nterests  of  the  church.  I 
have  not  space  to  record  the  several  excellent  breth- 
ren, who  have  thus  helped  the  church  in  the  com- 
munity ;  or  to  speak  of  their  fine  schools.  I  can 
almost  weep  to  think  how  deplorably  the  B,aleigh 
Methodist  Church  of  to-day  is  neglecting  this  in- 
valuable auxiliary. 

The  christian  simplicity  and  fervor  of  the  church 
would,  almost  as  a  matter  of  course,  be  maintained 
under  William  E.  Pell  in  1853  and  1854.  The  life, 
vigor  and  grow  h  of  the  hurch  are  known,  without 
reference  to  incidents  or  statistics,  when  it  is  said 
that  Xuma  F,  Reid  was  the  pastor  in  1855  and  1856. 
On  to  the  war — on  through  the  various  stages  of 
the  war — the  old  church  worked  on,  prayed  on, 
struggled  on,  now  and  then  glowing  with  revival 
fervor.  During  those  days  of  crucial  tests — days  of 
tears  and  blood  and  death — the  whole  member- 
ship clung  together  in  the  warfare  for  ImmanueL 
Around  the  altars,  time  and  again,  were  seen  the 
grey  uniforms  of  the  soldiers,  as  they  bowed  and 
plead  for  mercy,  side  by  side  with  the  citizens.  As 
a  church,  old  Edenton  Street  emerged  from  the  war- 
cloud  with  faith  unsubdued,  and  hope  undimmed, 
and  ardor  unchanged,  and  resolution  unbroken. 
Her  members,  nearly  all,  came  out  of  the  war  com- 
paratively poor ;  and  none  of  them  redeemed  their 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  103 

fortunes,  or  enlarged  them,  by  speculating  on  the 
sad  necessities  of  a  conquered  people.  And  up  to 
the  present,  the  interests  of  Methodism  in  Raleigh 
are  advancing. 

God  blessed  the  labors  of  H.  T.  Hudson  and  J. 
H.  Dally  and  L.  S.  Burkhead.  There  was  a  meet- 
ing of  great  power  and  benefit  in  1872,  the  first  year 
of  my  appointment  to  the  church.  There  has  been 
revival  interei,  attended  with  conversions,  every 
year  since.  The  meeting  conducted  by  Dr.  Leo. 
Rosser,  in  the  spring  of  1875,  will  be  long  remem- 
bered by  all  who  heard  his  wonderful  sermons.  The 
circulating  prayer-meetings,  under  the  working 
bands  of  local  preachers  and  other  laymen,  have 
been  signalized  by  great  successes.  Last  year  a 
number  of  young  men,  aided  by  one  or  two  of  the 
older  brethren,  conducted  a  revival  prayer-meeting 
in  Brooklyn,  in  the  north-western  part  of  the  city; 
and,  having  received  the  handsome  donation  of  a 
lot,  from  M  s.  Devereux,  persevered  with  surprising 
zeal,  and  erected  a  neat  and  comfortable  house  of 
worship.  The  numbers  of  Raleigh  Methodists  have 
nearly  doubled  in  five  years. 

With  six  or  seven  hundred  white  members  in  the 
city,  many  of  them  burning  with  desire  for  the  pro- 
gress of  their  Redeemer's  cause,  and  laboring  with 
sacrifice,  tears  and  sup_  lications  for  the  salvation 
of  sinners,  the  work  must  move  onward  to  still 
grander  achievements.  All  hail  to  you,  my  breth- 
ren !  "  I  know  your  works,  and  your  labor,  and 
your  patience,  and  how  you  cannot  bear  them  which 
are  evil,  and  have  borne,  and  have  patience,  and 


104  The  Centennial  of 

for  the  sake  of  Jesus  have  labored  and  have  not- 
fainted."  "Be  not  weary  in  well-doing,  for  in  due 
season  you  shall  reap,  if  you  faint  not." 

A  Brief  Sketch  of  Some  of  the  Members. 

I  come  next  to  the  duty  of  making  a  memorial 
record  of  some  of  the  excellent  members  of  the 
church,  in  different  periods  of  its  honorable  history. 
Among  the  first  Methodists  in  Raleigh  was  William 
White,  Secretary  of  State.  He  was  elected  to  the 
office  in  1798.  lie  was  converted  at  the  first  revi- 
val in  1811.  He  was  noted  for  fidelity  to  official 
duties,  kindness  and  generosity  in  his  dealings  with 
his  fellow-men,  and  enchaining  devotion  to  his  inter- 
esting family.  He  was  a  moral  hero  amid  the  du- 
ties of  life  and  in  the  presence  of  death.  He  de- 
parted this  life  November  8th,  1811.  In  his  obitu- 
ary is  this  sublime  eulogium  :  "  lie  taught  us  how 
to  live  and  how  to  die." 

His  accomplished  wife,  Anna  White,  was  con- 
verted and  joined  the  church  at  the  same  meeting. 
She  was  the  daughter  of  the  patriotic  and  distin- 
guished Richard  Caswell,  first  Governor  of  North 
Carolina,  after  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution. 
Monday,  the  11th  of  April,  1785,  Bishop  Asbury 
wrote  in  his  journal :  "  Preached  in  the  Court 
House  at  Kinston.  I  was  entertained  very  kindly 
by  Gov.  Caswell."  Who  knows  but  that  visit  influ- 
enced the  religious  life  of  this  excellent  woman, 
then  a  young  lady,  about  nineteen  years  of  age  ? 
Her  character  might  well  be   written   in  letters  of 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  105 

gold.  Adorned  with  the  graces  of  pure  culture ; 
elegant  and  generous  in  dispensing  hospitality ; 
bountiful  in  her  charities  ;  gentle  and  faithful  in  the 
government  of  her  servants  ;  fond  and  devoted  in 
the  circle  of  her  family  ;  an  ardent  lover  of  Meth- 
odism, and  a  beautiful  model  of  piety  :  she  was  much 
beloved  and  highly  esteemed  while  living,  and  sin- 
cerely mourned  when  dead.  She  died  February 
20th,  1850,  in  the  happy  assurance  of  a  blissful  eter- 
nity. She  left  five  daughters,  who  are  still  spared 
to  exhibit  the  enchaining  qualities  of  their  now  glo- 
rified mother.  One  of  them  is  the  meek,  amiable 
relict  of  the  late  Gov.  D.  L.  Swain ;  another,  an 
earnest  christian  residing  in  Mecklenburg  county; 
a  third  is  Mrs.  Eliza  Felton,  still  a  member  of  Eden- 
ton  Street  Church,  the  mother  of  that  very  saint  on 
earth,  the  first  wife  of  Dr.  Edward  Wadsworth  ;  the 
other  two,  the  unwavering  devotees  of  Methodism, 
still  loving  and  blessing  their  mother  church — the 
church  of  their  mother — in  this  city.  The  former 
pastors  speak  with  unforgetting  love  of  these  faith- 
ful daughters  of  Christ. 

Sarah  Armstrong  was  one  of  the  first  Methodists 
in  Raleigh.  She  kept  a  boarding-house  here  about 
seventy-five  years  ago.  From  one  who  knew  her 
well,  and  who  yet  survives,  I  received  the  assurance 
that  she  possessed  an  excellent  christian  character. 

Nancy  Hill,  the  wife  of  Green  Hill,  was  among 
the  first  members.  She  was  the  maternal  grand- 
mother  of  the  present  assistant  superintendent  of 
the  Sabbath  school,  Donald  W.  Bain,  who  is  also 
an  energetic  steward  and  indefatigable  worker  in 
14 


10g  The  Centennial  of 

all  the  interests  of  the  church  ;  notwithstanding  his 
almost  continuous  labors  as  Chief  Clerk  of  the  Trea- 
sury of  the  State,  and  Grand  Secretary  of  the  Ma-  ' 
sonic  fraternity.  The  latter  office  he  received  as 
successor  to  his  father,  who  held  it  for  many  years. 
His  father's  name  was  William  T.  Bain.  He  is  yet 
remembered  by  very  many  as  a  uniform,  quiet,  earn- 
est, pious  character.  It  is  said  that  "  every  one 
loved  him."  He  was  converted  about  1832,  under 
the  ministry  of  Joseph  Carson.  He  was  faithful 
unto  death,  and  has  ascended  to  take  his  crown. 
His  mother,  Frances  Elizab  th  Hall,  was  the  daugh- 
ter of  Dr.  Thomas  Hall,  a  surge  n  in  the  Revolu 
tion.  She  was  one  of  the  first  line  of  Methodists  in 
the  State,  being  converted  and  united  with  the 
church  at  an  early  age.  She  was  proverbial  for  her 
christian  virtues.  She  fell  asleep  in  Jesus  in  1855, 
at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-two. 

William  Hill  was  born  in  Surry  county,  North 
Carolina,  September  23d,  1773.  His  father  was  a 
patriot  in  the  Revolution,  and  was  a  Baptist  minis- 
ter. William  Hill  came  to  Raleigh  in  1795,  and 
entered  the  office  of  James  Glasgow,  Secretary  of 
State.  Mr.  W  illiam  White  succeeded  to  the  office 
of  Secretary  in  1798,  and  Mr.  Hill  continued  as 
clerk  till  1803.  He  was  elected  to  several  county 
offices  during  the  next  few  year  He  was  made 
Secretary  of  State,  after  the  dea  h  of  Mr.  White  in 
October,'  1811.  He  held  the  office  through  all  party 
changes',  until  his  death  in  1857.  He  joined  the 
church  at  the  Conference  in  1811.  He  was  a  model 
in  all  the  responsible  relations  which  he  sustained ; 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  107 

in  his  family,  in  society,  as  an  officer  of  the  State, 
and  steward,  trustee  and  class-leader  in  the  church. 
I  believe  I  can  safely  say  that  his  name  stands  high- 
est on  the  roll  of  all  the  laymen  of  North  Carolina. 
Had  I  space  to  give  it,  the  simple  record  of  his 
life  would  be  his  most  eloquent  eulogy.  How  sub- 
lime, and  yet  how  rare,  such  character  in  a  public 
officer !  At  the  age  of  eighty-four,  October  30th, 
1857,  he  pas  ed  peacefully  away  to  his  eternal  re- 
ward. He  was  the  father  of  the  distinguished  phy- 
sician, William  G.  Hill,  of  this  city,  one  of  the  most 
generous  and  faithful  stewards  of  Edenton  Street 
Church,  and  also  of  Miss  Louisa  Hill,  of  the  Meth- 
odist, and  Miss  Eliza  Hill,  of  the  Episcopal  Church; 
both  so  eminent  for  piety  and  for  the  works  of 
christian  benevolence. 

Mr.  Hill  is  also  the  grandfather  of  the  well-known, 
gifted  poet,  Theo.  H.  Hill,  who  is  at  present  the 
Secretary  of  Edenton  Street  Church  Conference. 

Wesley  Whitaker  joined  the  church  at  the  Con- 
ference revival  in  1811.  He  appears  to  have  out- 
lived all  the  class  that  joined  at  that  time.  He  was 
freely  trusted  by  his  pastors  and  brethren,  and  "  ob- 
tained a  good  report."  He  filled  the  offices  of  trus- 
tee, steward  and  class-leader,  for  many  years.  He 
held  fast  to  his  profession  till  the  day*  of  service 
brightened  forever  into  the  day  of  reward. 

Lydia  Badger,  the  mother  of  the  eminent  Judge 
and  United  States  Senator,  George  E.  Badger,  was 
a  devoted  member  of  Edenton  Street  Church.'  She 
moved  to  the  city  with  her  son  about  1820.  The 
family  residence  was  what  is  known  as  the  Iredell 


108  The  Centennial  of 

place,  near  the  church..  She  died  in  May,  1836. 
The  pastor,  at  that  time,  George  W.  Langhorne, 
wrote  of  her:  "  Sister  Badger  was  one  of  the  old- 
est memhers  of  the  church  in  this  place.  Her  piety 
was  of  that  character  which  "  commends  itself  to 
every  man's  conscience  in  the  sight  of  God."  She 
was  a  lady  of  strong,  vigorous  mind,  capable  of  dis- 
cerning between  truth  and  error,  shadow  and  sub- 
stance. 

Having  chosen  the  Methodist  Church,  she  ad- 
hered to  her  doctrines  and  usages  to  the  last.  *  * 
She  stood  unmoved,  yea,  firm  as  a  wall  of  brass." 
I  have  heard  that  she  was  very  fluent  in  conversa- 
tion, and  that  she  would  sometimes  lead  the  public 
prayer  in  religious  meetings.  She  died  while  on  a 
visit  to  Newbern.  Tier  consistent  and  useful  life 
was  a  sufficient  earnest  of  her  preparation  for  the 
great  change  ;  and  her  pastor  has  recorded  the  con- 
soling hope  that  she  "  escaped  from  the  troubles  of 
earth  to  the  pleasures  of  heaven." 

Benjamin  S.  King  is  one  of  the  veterans.  His 
father,  John  King,  was  one  of  the  original  ten  that 
composed  the  Conference  at  Philadelphia  in  1773 — 
the  first  meeting  of  the  kind  ever  held  in  America. 
He  was  a  physician,  and  probably  a  local  preacher 
in  England,  lie  came  to  this  country  a  short  time 
before  the  date  mentioned.  His  name  stands  first 
in  the  appointment  to  the  Carolina  Circuit  in  1779. 
As  with  many  others,  his  recent  emigration  from 
England  occasioned  suspicion  of  h  s  loyalty  to  the 
colonies,  and  it  is  possible  that  this  led  to  his  loca- 
tion ;  which  occurred  in  the  same  year  (or  iinmedi- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  109 

ately  after)  he  was  on  the  Carolina  Circuit.  He 
was  a  very  useful  and  successful  minister.  His 
widow  was,  doubtless,  one  of  the  first  Methodists 
in  Raleigh.  In  January,  1814,  Bishop  Asbury 
made  in  his  journal,  of  his  visit  to  Raleigh,  '«I 
said  sister  Perry,  the  former  wife  of  John  King, 
one  of  the  first  Methodist  preachers."  Benjamin  s! 
King  was  a  merchant,  and  a  warm  supporter  of  the 
church.  He  was  active  in  his  religious  duties.  He 
welcomed  the  preachers  to  his  home.  He  was  for 
some  time  on  the  Board  of  Stewards.  He  was  the 
grandfather  of  the  present  Mrs.  Dr.  E.  Burke  Hay- 
wood, of  Raleigh. 

Benjamin  B.  Smith  was  among  the  oldest  mem- 
bers.  He  too  was  a  merchant,  and  delighted  to  en- 
tertain the  preachers.  He  was  a  steward,  and  was 
enthusiastic  in  his  devotion  to  Methodism.  He  con- 
tributed three  hundred  dollars  in  gold  currency  to 
build  Edenton  Street  Church. 

Laura  Louisa  Smith  was  the  wife  of  Benjamin  S. 
Smith.  She  was  meek  and  lovely  in  her  character  ; 
ever  cherishing  the  precious  doctrines  of  the  church 
with  beautiful  simplicity  ;  and  evincing,  in  her  de- 
clining years,  the  spirit  of  sweet  contentment  and 
sustaining  hope  in  Christ.  She  passed  away  quietly, 
on  the  15th  of  April,  1872. 

Among  the  first  Methodist  people  of  Raleigh  were 
the  Misses  Pulliam.  One  of  them  is  better  known 
as  Mrs.  Martha  Lindeman,  the  mother  of  Mrs.  Geo. 
T.  Cooke.  These  ladies  were  prominent  friends 
and  working  members  of  Methodism,  before  any 
Methodist  church  was  built  in  the  city.     In  the 


110  The  Centennial  of 

days,  when  the  itinerants  proclaimed  the  gospel  in 
the  old  Court  House,  they  would  see  that  the  house 
was  put  in  order  for  the  worship,  the  candles  lighted, 
and  the  bell  rung.  I  have  heard  of  them,  as  fine 
young  ladies,  going  to  the  Court  House,  and  act- 
ing as  sextons  in  lighting;  the  house.  Their  re- 
sidence  was  the  inviting  home  of  the  Methodist 
preachers,  and,  indeed,  of  the  ministers  of  all  the 
churches.  Sister  Lindeimin  would  often  speak  of 
Father  Bruce,  Glendening,  and  Lorenzo  Dow.  She 
lingered  to  a  ripe  old  age.  I  visited  her,  not  very 
long  before  death,  and  found  her  ready  and  waiting. 
She  died,  in  great  peace,  on  the  1st  of  July,  1873. 

Of  the  five  children  that  Hon.  Wiley  Jones  left, 
one  was  Sarah  Burton,  the  wife  of  Hon.  H.  G.  Bur- 
ton, Governor  of  North  Carolina  from  1S21  to  1827. 
She  survived  him,  and  afterwards  married  Col.  An- 
drew Joyner,  of  Halifax,  North  Carolina.  In 
Wheeler's  History  of  North  Carolina,  she  is  de- 
scribed as  "one  of  the  loveliest  women  of  her  age." 
She  was  one  of  the  early  members.  She  was  truly 
devout.  Dr.  John  E.  Edwards  says  she  was  a  great 
Methodist,  and  gave  influence  to  Methodism  in  the 
city.  No  matter  what  company  she  had  in  the 
Governor's  Palace,  when  the  hour  came  for  class- 
meetino'  she  excused  herself  and  went  to  class. 
When,  on  the  Roanoke  Circuit  in  1860,  I  had  the 
pleasure  of  her  acquaintance.  Her  face  and  mien 
bespoke  her  purity  of  heart  and  loving  repose  in  the 
mercy  of  Jesus.  She  was  faithful,  and  has  gone  to 
her  heavenly  home. 

Ezekiel  Ellis  was  an  industrious  mechanic  in  Hal- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  Ill 

eigh  about  fifty  years  ago.  He  embraced  religion, 
jo  ned  the  Methodists,  and  entered  with  zeal  upon 
the  work  of  saving  souls.  He  was  first  an  exhorter 
and  then  a  local  preacher.  He  bore  through  life 
the  character  of  a  sincere  christian,  and  left  a  good 
testimony  for  the  truth. 

Joshua  Lumsden — the  father  of  J.  C.  S.  Lumsden, 
a  steward  and  president  of  the  Sunday  School  So- 
ciety of  Edenton  Street  Church — was,  also,  a  local 
minister.  He  and  his  wife,  Mary  Lumsden,  in  their 
ripe  old  age,  still  cling  to  the  church  of  their  love. 
He  is  now  an  earnest  laborer  in  the  Sabbath  school 
■ — an  eloquent  example  to  the  young.  He  moved 
from  Raleigh  years  ago. 

Ruffin  Tucker  was,  for  a  long  time,  one  of  the 
pillars  of  the  church.  Possessed  of  handsome  for- 
tune, and  an  elegant  home,  he,  with  his  pious,  ami- 
able and  accomplished  wife,  Lucinda  Tucker,  was 
bountiful  in  hospitality  to  the  ministers  of  the 
church.  He  truly  loved  the  church,  was  charitable 
to  the  needy,  gave  five  hundred  dollars  to  aid  in 
erecting  Edenton  Street  Church,  and  was  active  and 
generous  in  the  enterprise  of  establishing  the  Mission 
Chapel,  (which  has  grown  into  the  larger  and  hand- 
somer Person  Street  Church.)  He  was  the  father  of 
the  well-known  merchants  of  Raleigh,  W.  H.  tfc  R. 
S.  Tucker.  He  departed  this  life  on  the  9th  of 
April,  1851.  His  lovely  wife  has  also  finished  her 
course  on  earth,  and  has  joined  the  sanctified  on  the 
other  shore. 

William  Tucker,  his  brother,  was  also  a  Meth- 
odist. He  was  a  good  man,  and  accomplished  his 
day  in  the  hope  of  eternal  life. 


112  The  Centennial  of 

Rev.  Alsa  Tucker  was  for  years  a  local  preacher, 
and  was  also,  for  some  time,  a  beloved  and  useful 
member  of  the  Conference.  His  influence  upon 
Raleigh  Methodism  was  pure  and  precious.  He 
was  pool  in  this  world's  goods,  but  rich  in  faith  and 
love.  His  example  was  a  shining  light.  He  was 
so  lame  that,  for  years,  he  found  it  necessary  to  use 
his  crutches.  It  was  a  common  occurrence  for  him 
to  be  tilled  with  divine  love,  when  he  attended  the 
sanctuary ;  and,  as  his  heart  overflowed,  he  would 
drop  his  crutches,  spring  from  his  seat,  and  hop 
over  the  church  on  his  crippled  limbs,  shouting  as 
he  went.  He  is  safely  resting  now,  where  there  are 
no  crutches  and  no  cripples — waiting  in  holy  satis- 
faction for  a  body  that  will  be  thrilled  with  the 
vigor  of  immortal  youth. 

Henry  Warren  was  an  official  member  in  1833. 
He  was  born  in  this  county.  He  joined  the  Vir- 
ginia Conference  in  1807,  and  located  in  1813.  He 
appears  to  have  re-entered  the  itinerancy,  as  Dr. 
Bangs  places  his  location  in  1830.  He  was  after- 
wards an  influential  and  useful  local  preacher.  He 
was  noted  as  a  peace-maker  among  his  brethren. 
He  was  the  father  of  Mrs.  Kimbrough  Jones,  who 
resides  near  this  city.  He  lived,  for  some  time, 
about  ten  miles  from  Raleigh.  lie  moved  to  Ten- 
nessee in  1835.  He  has  been  dead  for  years.  His 
widow  married  Rev.  Moses  Brock.  The  following 
is  related  of  this  marriage.  During  Father  War- 
ren's life,  brother  Brock  often  visited  him,  and  re- 
ceived from  him  the  request  to  come  and  share  the 
comforts  of  his  home,  whenever  the  failure  of  health 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  113 

or  need  of  rest  might  require  it.  Time  rolled  on, 
and  Father  Warren  had  long  been  resting  in  his 
grave,  when  brother  Bruck  rode  up  to  the  residence 
of  sister  Warren.  Kindly  greetings  were  exchanged. 
Brother  Brock  told  her  he  had  come  to  accept 
brother  Warren's  invitation.  She  gave  him  an 
assurance  of  cordial  welcome.  He  added  that  lie 
would  consent  only  on  the  condition  that  she  would 
marry  him.  She  replied  that  she  would  do  that 
too.     This  was  the  courtship. 

Dr.  Sterling  Wheaton  was  a  steward  in  1832.  He 
was  a  physician,  and  is  remembered  as  a  useful  and 
pious  man. 

Thos.  J.  Lemay  was  on  the  official  board  in  1833. 
He  was  an  editor  for  many  years ;  his  paper,  the 
Raleigh  Star,  exerting  a  potent  influence  on  the 
various  public  interests  of  the  day.  He  was  an  ex- 
cellent writer,  and  sometimes  able  as  a  speaker. 
Though  decided  in  his  political  and  ecclesiastical 
views,  he  was  ever  generous  towards  those  who  dif- 
fered from  him.  He  was  fervent  in  his  love  for  the 
Methodist  Church,  and  was  one  of  the  most  useful 
members  Edenton  Street  Church  has  ever  contained. 
His  memory  is,  as  it  pre-eminently  deserves  to  be, 
warmly  cherished  by  all  who  knew  him.  His  wife, 
Eliza  P.  Lemay,  a  sister  of  Lucinda  Tucker,  was  a 
noble  christian  woman,  self-sacrificing  for  the  com- 
fort of  the  preachers  and  the  welfare  of  the  church. 
Both  husband  and  wife  have  gone  to  join  the  saints 
in  heaven. 

David  Carter  joined  the  church  in  1836.  He  was 
the  father  of  the  eminent  lawyer,  Col.  David  M. 
15 


114  The  Centennial  of 

Carter,  of  this  city,  and  of  Mrs.  Susan  E.  Blackwell, 
a  member  of  Eden  ton  Street  Church.  He  was  a 
man  of  public  spirit,  influential  among  his  fellow- 
citizens,  very  fond  of  the  church  of  his  choice,  and 
yet  amiably  catholic  in  his  feelings  towards  other 
denominations.  He  removed  from  Raleigh  to  Ber- 
tie in  1842.  During  the  war,  without  having  heard 
any  news  that  justified  the  conviction,  he  became 
so  powerfully  impressed  that  a  battle  had  been 
fought  near  Richmond,  that  he  hastily  departed  to 
look  after  his  sons  in  Lee's  army.  The  event  was 
according  to  his  impression.  He  found  some  of  his 
sons  in  the  hospital.  While  returning,  he  was  ta- 
ken ill ;  and  reached  home,  after  much  suffering,  in 
a  helpless  condition.  This  journey  was  the  cause 
of  his  death. 

Among  the  truly  excellent  of  the  old  members,  a 
prominent  place  is  due  the  name  of  Mary  Harrison, 
the  devout  christian,  mother  of  Ex-Mayor  Harrison, 
of  Raleigh.  Narcissa  Hutchings  was  another  most 
worthy  name  upon  the  register.  She  was  a  true 
daughter  of  God.  I  visited  her  in  her  last  days, 
and  was  rejoiced  to  find  that  she  had  the  victory 
over  even  pain  and  death.  It  was  marvellous  to 
see  one  happy  in  the  hours  of  such  intense  physical 
struggle.  Her  mother,  Mrs.  McKee,  was  a  devoted 
Methodist.  She  was  left  a  widow,  with  several 
small  children  and  scanty  means ;  and  yet,  as  Dr. 
William  IT.  McKee,  her  son,  informed  me  a  few  days 
before  his  death,  in  speaking  of  his  own  spiritual 
state,  (showing  how  tender-hearted  she  was  to- 
wards man,  and  how  firm  in  her  trust  in  God,)  she 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  115 

once  gave  the  last  dust  of  meal  she  had  to  a  poor 
Indian  beggar;  and,  when  her  little  son  remonstra- 
ted and  asked  what  they  would  do  for  bread,  she 
replied,  "the  Lord  will  provide"  ;  and  sure  enough 
he  did  provide.  Only  five  of  the  eighty-one  mem- 
bers in  1832  are  known  still  to  survive. 

C.  W.  D.  Hutchings,  so  long  a  useful  member,  is 
one  of  the  five. 

Rebecca  and  Mary  Wilhite  were  maiden  sisters, 
and  resided,  for  a  long  time,  on  the  lot  on  which  the 
parsonage  is  located.  They  were  members  in  1832, 
and  their  names  were  on  the  register  until  1852. 
They  were  most  praiseworthy  in  their  attention  to 
the  church.  They  were  worthy  successors  to  the 
Misses  Pulliam,  in  duly  preparing  the  sanctuary  for 
worship.  To  them  this  office  was  a  labor  of  love  ; 
and  it  was  so  long  and  so  faithfully  performed,  that 
"it  won  for  them  the  tender  admiration  and  grate- 
ful remembrance  of  those  who  survived  them.  The 
exact  date  of  their  death  is  not  known  ;  but,  what 
is  better,  the  character  of  their  death  is  known  to 
have  been  triumphant. 

Henry  L.  Evans  was  long  one  of  the  most  estima- 
ble members.  He  died  February  13th,  1861,  being 
in  his  41st  year.  His  obituary  states  :  "  Thus  has 
fallen  in  the  prime  of  life,  in  the  midst  of  usefulness 
and  hope,  and  in  the  dark  hour  of  his  country's 
history,  a  man  that  will  be  sadly  missed  in  almost 
every  circle  of  life.  As  a  merchant  Mr.  Evans  had 
the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  entire  community  ; 
as  a  citizen,  eminently  valuable  ;  as  a  christian  gen- 
tleman he  had  the  rare  merit  of  winning  all  hearts. 


116  The  Centennial  of 

For  twenty  years  lie  had  been  a  member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  always  did  honor 
to  his  profession."  It  is  pleasant  to  record  the 
cheerful  zeal  and  thoughtful  kindness  of  his  wife, 
Lucy  B.  Evans,  who  deserves  the  honorable  and 
lovely  title  of  "  The  Friend  of  the  Parsonage."  In- 
deed, she  is  the  ever  active  friend  of  Edenton  Street 
Church  in  all  its  interests. 

Mary  Ann  Palmer,  wife  of  the  indefatigable  stew- 
ard, that  good  man  and  noble  friend  of  Methodism, 
John  C.  Palmer,  was  long  one  of  the  loveliest  and 
truest  spirits  in  the  class  of  female  members.  Amid 
a  host  of  affectionate  friends  she  closed  her  eyes  to 
earth,  and  peacefully  passed  to  her  heavenly  reward 
in  1871. 

Harriet  Whitaker  was  one  of  the  truest  spirits 
that  ever  communed  at  the  altar  of  the  church.  She 
was  a  daughter  of  the  faithful  old  Methodist,  Wesley 
Whitaker.  She  was  a  zealous  teacher  in  the  Sun- 
day school,  to  the  last;  and  extended  her  usefulness 
to  Zion  to  the  very  verge  of  life.  She  died  in  peace, 
December  31st,  1873. 

Thomas  Loring,  the  industrious  and  devout  edi- 
tor, was,  for  some  time,  a  member  of  this  church. 
He  was  brother  of  Gen.  Loring,  well-known  in  the 
late  war,  and  just  now  distinguished  as  the  Com- 
mander of  the  Egyptian  army  in  the  recent  war  with 
the  Abysinians.  I  knew  the  good  old  man  in  his 
later  days,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Whitaker,  in  Golds- 
boro'.  He  was  very  sanguine  in  his  faith,  and  seemed 
scarcely  to  realize  that  he  was  still  in  the  body.  It 
is  not  improper  for  me  to  record  here  the  tokens  of 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  117 

beautiful  and  uncalculating  brotherly  devotion,  sent 
him  in  the  days  of  his  physical  helplessness  by  his 
soldier  brother.  He  enjoyed  the  Bible  as  I  never 
knew  any  other  to  enjoy  it.  It  was  a  veritable  feast 
of  fat  things  and  of  sweet  things  to  his  soul.  There 
is  no  doubt  of  his  final  triumph. 

Grizzy  Shaw,  Eldridge  Smith,  sister  Yarborough, 
the  Misses  Hunter,  and  many  others  were  once 
among  the  worshippers  in  the  old  church,  but  are 
now,  we  trust,  among  those  who  praise  God  "in  a 
nobler,  sweeter  strain"  above.  During  my  pastoral 
charge,  Sarah  E.  Hudson,  Delia  Woodward,  Maria 
Mason  Harper,  Rebecca  Lipscomb,  Ju  ia  Thomas, 
Mary  Ann  Elizabeth  King,  Julia  Young  and  Bryant 
H.  Morris,  all  died  in  hope  of  the  saints'  inheritance 
in  light. 

Joseph  H.  Separk  is  peculiarly  worthy  of  a  place 
on  the  roll  of  saintly  honor.  He  was  a  mechanic, 
and  yet  made  more  character  before  a  discrimina- 
ting public,  than  most  men  who  begin  their  career 
with  wealth,  learning  and  position.  He  was  es- 
teemed by  multitudes  in  different  parts  of  North 
Carolina,  freely  trusted  by  the  entire  city,  and  much 
beloved  by  his  brethren.  He  was  a  faithful  and 
useful  worker  in  the  prayer-meetings,  and  fervently 
attached  to  the  church  and  its  ministers.  In  May 
1875,  he  was  elected  by  his  fellow-citizens  to  the  of- 
fice of  Mayor  of  Raleigh,  and  was  rapidly  rising  in 
reputation,  from  the  integrity  and  zeal  he  displayed 
in  behalf  of  the  community.  He  was  overtaken  by 
fell  disease  in  the  month  of  August  last,  and  liter- 
ally triumphed  over  the  last  enemy.     His  funeral 


118  The  Centennial  of 

was  attended  by  the  largest  number  of  people  of  all 
classes  that  ever  assembled  on  such  an  occasion  in 
the  city. 

William  J.  Griffice  was  one  of  my  beloved  class- 
leaders  and  workers  in  the  prayer-meetings.  Feeble 
and  suffering,  he  delighted  in  the  sanctuary,  feasted 
upon  the  gospel,  enjoyed  the  unqualified  confidence 
of  all,  and  died  as  if  the  chariots  of  the  Lord  were 
visible  to  the  eye  of  faith. 

Of  those  who  survive,  it  is  appropriate  to  mention 
specially  the  two  brothers,  Samuel  H.  Young  and 
W.  J.  Young,  so  long  and  so  prominently  connected 
with  the  Sabbath  school.  They  are  the  descendants 
of  the  Whitfields,  who  were  among  the  first  Meth- 
odists in  Franklin  and  Granville,  loyal  disciples  of 
Francis  Asbury.  Samuel  H.  Young  was,  for  a  long 
term  of  years,  superintendent  of  Edenton  Street 
Sabbath  school,  and  was  succeeded  by  W.  J.  Young, 
who  holds  the  responsible  position  still.  Who  can 
calculate  the  labor  they  have  performed,  and  the 
good  they  have  accomplished  %  How  my  heart  glows 
with  affection  and  desire  as  I  think  of  the  school ! 
Oh !  what  a  treasure  it  is  to  the  church !  How 
long  before  the  lovers  of  childhood,  souls,  .Meth- 
odism and  heaven,  will  give  it  the  greatly-needed, 
long-expected  school-room  of  proper  style  and  ade- 
quate dimensions? 

On  a  beautiful  afternoon  in  1875,  the  singular  scene 
was  presented  of  the  meeting  of  two  funeral  trains, 
at  the  crossing  of  Dawson  and  Edenton  streets.  The 
two  hearses  bore  the  remains  of  John  Young,  the 
aged  father,  and  Richard  Young,  the   son.     The 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  119 

coffins  were  carried  into  the  church  together ;  one 
funeral  sermon  was  pronounced  over  both  ;  and  one 
procession  followed  them  to  the  waiting  graves  in 
the  City  Cemetery. 

In  concluding  this  part  of  my  sketch,  I  rejoice 
that  I  can  say  that  a  number  of  those,  who  stood  in 
the  front  ranks  thirty  or  thirty-five  years  ago,  are 
still  in  line,  battling  for  the  King  and  the  Crown. 
They  remind  me  of  the  thinned  ranks  of  the  ten 
thousand  Greeks,  who  marched  and  fought  so  brave- 
ly, through  blinding  storms  and  daring  foes,  impel- 
led by  the  inspiring  love  of  their  distant  home ;  and, 
at  last,  raised  their  jubilant  shout,  when  they  saw' 
from  the  mountain  tops,  the  calm,  blue  waters  of 
the  Euxine  sea,  that  laved  the  shores  of  their  long- 
ed-for Greece.     So  you,  dear  old  brethren,  bear  the 
scars  of  many  wounds  and  the  trophies  of  many 
struggles;  but  are  still  marching  on,  battling  on, 
looking  for  the  Sea  of  Glory  whose  crystal  depths 
reflect  the  Jasper  Walls  and  Trees  of  Life.     Thank 
God  !     Your  shields  are  unbroken ;  your  armor  is 
still  bright ;  and  the  sword  of  the  Lord,  in  the  hands 
of  the  faithful,  is  invincible.     Onward !    Brethren  • 
it  is  only  a  little  longer !     The  hard  campaign  will 
soon  he  ended— ended  in  an  everlasting  peace  ! 
The  following  is  the  nearly  complete  list  of 


120 


The  Centennial  of 


The  Pastors  of  Edenton  Street    Church   and  the 
Presiding  Elders  of  the  District : 


1807  (Ct. 

) 

1808  (Ct. 

,) 

1809  (Ct. 

,) 

1810  (Ct. 

,) 

1811  (St., 

) 

1812  " 

1813  " 

1814  (Ct. 

,) 

1815  (St. 

,) 

1816  " 

1817  (Ct. 

,) 

1818  (Ct. 

,) 

1819  (Ct. 

,) 

1820  (St. 

,) 

1821  " 

1822  " 

1823  " 

1824  " 

1825  " 

1826  " 

1827  " 

1828  " 

1829  " 

1830  " 

1831  " 

1832  " 

1833  " 

1834  " 

1835  " 

1836  " 

1837  " 

(  Christop.   S.  Mooring, 
I  Cray  Williams, 
S  William  Owen, 
\  Edmund  Wright, 

|  Henry  Warren, 
}  Edward  Cannon, 
Thos.  P.  Anderson, 
LeRoy  Meiritt, 
Canellum  H.  Hines, 
James  Morris, 
Philip  Bruce, 

(  Matthew  M.  Dance, 

|  Jesse  Branch, 
James  McAden, 
Peyton  Anderson, 

\  Lewis  Skidmore, 

|  Parker  Williams, 

)  Henry  Hardy, 

I  Amos  Treadway, 

\  Hez.  6.  Leigh, 

I  George  W.  Charlton, 
Peyton  Anderson, 
John  F.  Wright, 
George  M.  Anderson, 
Thomas  Howard, 
William  Leigh, 
William  Hammett, 
George  W.  Charlton, 
Bennett  T.  Blake, 
George  A.  Bain, 
George  W.  Nolley, 
Abram  Penu, 

\  Melville  B.  Cox, 

(  Bennett  T.  Blake, 
James  McDonald, 

(  John  Kerr, 

\  Daniel  Hall, 
James  Jameison, 
James  Jameison, 
George  W.  Langhorne, 
Edward  Wadsworth, 


PRESIDING  ELDERS. 


John  Buxton. 

John  Buxton. 

Philip  Bruce. 

John  Buxton. 

John  Buxton. 
John  Buxton. 
John  Weaver. 
John  Weaver. 

Canellum  H.  Hines. 
Canellum  H.  Hines. 
Canellum  H.  Hines. 

Lewis  Skidmore. 

Lewis  Skidmore. 

Lewis  Skidmore. 
William  Compton. 
William  Compton. 
William  Compton. 
William  Compton. 
Thomas  Howard. 
Thomas  Howard. 
Thomas  Howard. 
Moses  Brock. 
Moses  Brock. 
Joseph  Carson. 
Joseph  Carson. 

Joseph  Carson. 
James  Reid. 

James  Reid. 
James  Reid. 
James  Reid. 
H.  G.  Leigh. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  121 

The  Pastors,  <&c—  (Continued.) 


PASTORS. 


fCt.,)  Joseph  H.  Davis, 

William  S.  Johnson, 
John  Todd  Brame, 
W.  8.  Johnson, 
B.  T.  Blake, 
Sidney  D.  Bumpass, 
I  Sidney  D.  Bumpass, 
I  John  E.  Ed-wards, 
|  John  E.  Edwards, 
Thomas  S.  Campbell, 
Robert  O.  Burton, 
Robert  0.  Burton, 
Rufus  T.  Heflm, 
Rufus  T.  Heflin, 
Peter  Doub, 
Peter  Doub, 
William  E.  Pell, 
William  E.  Pell, 
N.  P.  Reid, 
N.  F.  Reid, 
Joseph  H.  Wheeler, 
L.  L.  Hendren, 
L.  L.  Hendren, 
J.  W.  Tucker, 
J.  W.  Tucker, 
John  S.  Long, 
John  S.  Long, 
Braxton  Craven, 
Braxton  Craven, 
H.  T.  Hudson, 
H.  T.  Hudson, 
H.  T.  Hudson, 
H.  T.  Hudson, 
Jonathan  H.  Dally, 
L.  S.  Burkhead, 
A.  W.  Mangum, 


A.  W.  Mangum, 
A.  W.  Mangum, 
j  A.  W.  Mangum, 
(  L.  S.  Burkhead, 
L.  S.  Burkhead, 


PRESIDING  ELDERS. 


16 


H.  G.  Leigh. 
H.  G.  Leigh. 
H.  G.  Leigh. 
James  Jameison. 


James  Jameison. 
James  Jameison. 
James  Jameison. 
Peter  Doub. 
Peter  Doub. 
D.  B.  Nicholson. 
D.  B.  Nicholson. 
D.  B.  Nicholson. 
D.  B.  Nicholson. 
H.  G.  Leigh. 
James  Reid. 
James  Reid. 
Robert  O.  Burton. 
Robert  O.  Burton. 
Robert  O.  Burton. 
Robert  O.  Burton. 
D.  B.  Nicholson. 
D.  B.  Nicholson. 
W.  Barringer. 
W.  Barringer. 
W.  Barringer. 
N.  F.  Reid. 
N.  F.  Reid. 
N.  F.  Reid. 
N.  F.  Reid. 
L.  L.  Hendren. 
L.  L.  Hendren. 
L.  L.  Hendren. 
W.  H.  Bobbitt. 
N.  F.  Reid. 

N.  F.  Reid. 

W.  H.  Bobbitt. 
W.  H.  Bobbitt. 
W.  H.  Bobbitt. 
Junius  P.  Moore. 


|  Junius  P.  Moore. 


122  The  Centennial  of 

Notices  of  Pastors  a/nd  Presiding  Elders. 

Appropriate  biographical  sketches  of  the  forego- 
ing list  would  fill  a  large  volume.  I  can  say  but  lit- 
tle, here,  of  any  one  of  them  ;  and  shall  confine  my- 
self, almost  exclusively,  to  those  who  have  finished 
their  course  on  earth.  Even  of  these  I  cannot  men- 
tion all,  owing  to  the  want  of  information  respect- 
ing them.  Not  excluding  other  considerations  en- 
tirely, I  shall  mainly  endeavor  to  give  the  comfort- 
ing assurance  that  these  servants  of  God  maintained 
their  fidelity  to  the  end  of  life  and  gave  in  death 
their  grand  and  final  testimony  to  the  truth  and 
sufficiency  of  the  glorious  gospel  they  had  preached. 

Jesse  Lee  was  the  first  Methodist  minister,  known 
to  have  preached  at  or  near  this  place.  lie  joined 
the  itinerancy  in  1783,  and  proved  himself  an  able 
and  faithful  evangelist  to  the  end  of  his  life.  His 
tombstone  in  the  cemetery  at  Baltimore  pronounces 
him  the  "  Apostle  of  American  Methodism "  in 
New  England.  During  his  last  illness,  he  shouted, 
"  Glory  !  glory  !  glory  !  hallelujah  !  Jesus  reigns." 
At  the  last,  he  sent  assurances  to  absent  friends  that 
he  died  happy,  uttered  a  touching  message  to  Bishop 
Mclvendree,  avowed  his  love  for  all  the  preachers, 
and  bade  his  weeping  friends  farewell.  He  died 
September  12th,  1816. 

Bishop  Francis  Asbury  is  the  first  Methodist, 
known  to  have  preached  here  after  Raleigh  was  es- 
tablished. He  was  the  Wesley  of  America.  He 
was  in  labors  superabundant.  He,  probably,  more 
than  any  other  christian  hero  of  modern  times,  re- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolijna.  123 

sembles  St.  Paul,  in  life  and  character.  He  was 
America's  greatest  benefactor.  It  would  be  difficult 
for  a  young  minister  to  find  a  work,  by  an  American 
author,  containing  more  inspiration  to  noble  effort, 
endurance,  and  heroism,  than  the  three  volumes  of 
his  journal.  He  began  his  labors  here  with  almost 
the  first  struggles  of  American  Methodism,  was  in 
Philadelphia  Conference  in  1773,  was  appointed 
Bishop  in  1784,  and  then  traveled  and  preached  and 
directed  the  growing  machinerv  of  the  church  until 
his  death.  His  character  was  sublime;  his  work 
was  stupendous ;  his  sufferings  in  the  flesh  were  so 
great  as  often  to  be  almost  unendurable  ;  his  career 
was  one  of  the  most  signal  and  successful  in  the 
moral  history  of  the  world;  and  his  death  was  so 
triumphant  that  it  crowns  his  life  with  the  diadem 
of  undying  glory.  At  Spottsylvania,  Virginia,  on 
the  31st  of  March,  1816,  his  sufferings  ended  for- 
ever, and  he  ascended  to  the  house  of  God's  glorified 
servants.  His  last  conscious  act  on  earth  was  the 
uplifting  of  both  hands  to  declare  his  triumph  in 
the  Lord. 

Christopher  S.  Mooring  was  the  first  preacher  in 
charge  of  the  Raleigh  Circuit.  He  was  born  in 
Surry  county,  Virginia,  in  1767  ;  joined  Conference 
in  1789  ;  served  the  church  faithfully  for  thirty-six 
years  ;  traveling  every  year  but  one,  when  his  health 
failed  ;  was  amiable,  grave  and  devoted  to  the  work 
of  saving  sinners  ;  and  was  instrumental  in  the  con- 
version of  hundreds.  Through  his  last  ordeal  his 
"confidence  in  God  remained  unshaken  and  his 
peace  flowed  as  a  river." 


124  The  Centennial  of 

Canellum  H.  Hines  was  the  first  pastor  of  Raleigh 
Station,  and  afterwards  presiding  elder  of  Raleigh 
District.  He  was  ordained  elder  in  1811,  and  after 
faithful  and  useful  service,  located  in  1818. 

Philip  Bruce  was  stationed  here  in  1813.  He 
was  a  North  Carolinian,  descended  from  French 
Protestants  that  fled  to  North  Carolina  from  cruel 
persecution.  He  was  a  soldier  in  the  Revolutionary 
war.  He  was  converted  in  early  life,  as  most  use- 
ful christians  are.  He  had  a  pious  mother,  as  nearly 
all  young  christians  have.  He  joined  Conference 
in  1781,  and  labored  for  thirty-six  years,  when  fail- 
ing health  forced  him  to  the  superannuated  relation. 
He  moved  to  Tennessee  after  the  Conference  of  1818- 
Not  long  before  his  death,  he  wrote  back  to  his 
old  Conference,  "  My  work  is  well  nigh  done,  and 
I  am  waiting  in  glorious  expectation  for  my  change 
to  come;  for  I  have  not  labored  and  suffered  for 
naught,  nor  followed  a  cunningly-devised  fable." 
A  friend  thus  describes  his  death,  "He  died  not 
only  in  peace  but  in  triumph.  He  was  perfectly 
resigned,  and  said  he  never  had  such  clear  views  in 
his  life.  For  a  whole  night  he  could  not  sleep  for 
joy,  and  the  Lord  was  with  him  and  blessed  him 
mightily."  After  all  his  toil  and  sacrifice,  at  his 
death  his  entire  property  amounted  to  only  three 
hundred  dollars.  But  he  had  laid  up  his  treasures 
in  heaven.  The  Virginia  Conference  erected  a 
monument  over  his  grave. 

J  ames  McAden  was  born  in  Caswell  county,  N.  C, 
in  August,  1795.  lie  was  converted  in  a  great  re- 
vival in  1810.     Three  other  converts,  in  the  same 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  125 

gracious  work,  became  itinerant  preachers,  to-wit : 
James  Reid,  A.  McCain  and  B.  Stephens.  Brother 
McAden  joined  the  Virginia  Conference  in  1814, 
and  was  in  charge  of  the  Raleigh  Circuit  in  1815. 
Most  of  his  ministerial  work  has  been  done  in  the 
State  of  Virginia.  He  yet  survives,  after  sixty-five 
years  of  faithful  service.  He  resides  in  Mecklenburg 
county,  Virginia.  His  love  for  Methodism,  and  con- 
fidence in  the  effiency  of  its  doctrines,  are  unabated. 
He  is  now  on  the  superannuated  list.  He  pledges 
a  contribution  to  the  new  Methodist  Church  in  Ral- 
eigh. 

Peyton  Anderson  was  on  Raleigh  Circuit  in  1816, 
and  stationed  in  Raleigh  in  1820.  He  was  born  in 
Chesterfield  county,  Va.,  February  7,  1795,  joined 
Conference  at  nineteen,  in  1814,  and  died  in  1S23. 
He  was  well-educated,  modest,  discreet,  unwaver- 
ing and  transparently  pure  in  character.  In  his 
last  lucid  moments  he  rejoiced  in  the  glory  of  God. 
His  last  words  were  "  Farewell,  brethren,  when  we 
meet  again,  it  will  be  in  heaven." 

Lewis  Skidmore  was  on  the  circuit  in  1817,  and 
presiding  elder  on  the  district  from  1818  to  1820 
inclusive.  He  is,  probably,  still  well  remembered  by 
some  of  the  old  people  in  this  part  of  North  Carolina. 
He  was  born  of  poor  parents,  in  Fairfax  county, 
Virginia,  moved  to  Richmond  when  quite  young, 
and  labored  as  a  blacksmith.  Brother  Bennett 
states  he  was,  at  this  time,  a  zealous  christian.  I 
doubt  this.  My  mother,  who  knew  him  well,  told 
me  that  she  had  heard  that  he  was  in  the  Rich- 
mond theatre,  when  it  caught  on  fire  in  1811,  and 


126  The  Centennial  of 

escaped  by  jumping  from  a  second  story  window. 
Methodists  had  not  surrendered  to  the  world  so  far 
as  to  go  to  theatres  in  those  days.  He  was  one  of 
the  men  of  strength.  He  held  his  connection  with 
the  Conference  forty-four  years.  He  wTas  a  doc- 
trinal preacher,  and  was  almost  irresistible  in  argu- 
ments. To  the  last  he  attended  the  sessions  of  his 
Conference  and  the  commencement  of  Randolph 
Macon  College.  He  was,  for  years,  the  harbinger 
of  commencement,  arriving  with  his  wonted  exact- 
ness on  Tuesday  afternoon.  He  passed  to  his  place 
among  the  conquerors  of  death  in  1857. 

Hezekiah  (1.  Leigh  was  born  in  Perquimans 
county,  North  Carolina,  in  1795,  joined  Conference 
in  1818,  was  on  Raleigh  Circuit  in  1819,  wTas  presid- 
ing elder  on  Raleigh  District  from  1837  to  1840  in- 
clusive, and  again  in  1851,  and  served  the  church 
in  various  responsible  offices  for  thirty-four  years. 
He  was  one  of  the  ablest,  most  eloquent  and  most 
useful  ministers  that  have  belonged  to  the  Virginia 
Conference.  He  was  a  natural  orator.  Henry  Clay, 
after  hearing  him  preach,  is  said  to  have  remarked 
to  a  friend,  "  He  made  me  smell  brimstone."  Du- 
ring his  last  illness,  Dr.  Win.  A.  Smith  visited  him 
frequently,  and  held  repeated  conversations  with 
him,  on  his  faith  and  his  prospects  for  eternity.  Not 
long  before  he  died,  he  grew  eloquent,  as  he  spoke 
of  his  hope,  and  contemplated  the  grandeur  of  the 
destiny  that  was  opening  before  him;  and -over- 
whelmed with  the  contrast  between  his  own  in- 
significance and  the  tremendous  destiny  that  await- 
ed him,  he  cried,  "  Oh,  if  there  were  not  a  daysman 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  127 

betwixt  God  and  me,  how  could  I  stand  His  search- 
ing eye  !  Thank  God !  Bless  God  for  such  a  Sav- 
iour !" 

When  asked,  the  day  before  his  death,  if  his 
trust  was  still  in  his  Saviour,  he  replied,  "  O  yes ! 
what  should  I  do  without  that  ?  Jesus  is  with  rne. 
My  trust  is  in  him  alone." 

George  W.  Charlton  was  on  the  circuit  in  1819, 
and  on  the  station  in  1826.  He  joined  in  1818,  in 
the  class  with  Hezekiah  Leigh  and  Peter  Doub.  He 
was  commanding  in  appearance  and  highly  gifted 
by  nature  as  a  speaker.  lie  was  an  uncompromis- 
ing enemy  of  unrighteousness,  forming  no  truces 
with  the  fashions  and  follies  of  the  world.  His 
sword  was  polished  with  learning,  edged  with  truth, 
and  tempered  with  love.  He  had  a  great  revival 
here,  when  on  the  station.  In  the  latter  part  of  1821 
and  first  of  1822,  he  had  a  wonderful  work  in  Lynch- 
burg, Virginia,  which  exerted  such  a  vast  influence 
that  he  may  be  regarded  one  of  the  chief  agents  in 
the  progress  and  prosperity  of  the  Methodist  Church 
in  that  stronghold.  He  located  at  the  Conference 
at  this  place  in  1828.  He  remained  a  faithful  ser- 
vant of  God  to  the  end  of  his  mortal  life.  He  passed 
peacefully  away  about  five  years  ago. 

William  Comptonwas  presiding  elder  of  this  dis- 
trict, then  called  Nense  District,  from  1821  to  1824 
inclusive.  He  joined  Conference  in  1809.  He  died 
in  Oxford,  North  Carolina,  November  13th.  1847. 
He  was  a  profound  theologian,  and  made  an  im- 
pression upon  his  hearers  that  time  could  not  erase. 
He  continued  in  loving  trust  in  Jesus,  and  his  labor 


128  The  Centennial  of 

for  souls,  to  the  end  of  his  useful  life.  He  was  a 
holy  man,  trusting  the  good  providence  of  God 
with  the  simplicity  of  a  child.  He  prayed  that 
God  would  grant  him  a  su  !den  death.  His  prayer 
was  answered.  He  is  the  father  of  Wm.  Fletcher 
Compton — one  of  the  most  valuable  men  in  the 
California  Conference.  Two  other  sons  are  Meth- 
odist ministers. 

Thomas  Howard  was  stationed  here  in  1823,  and 
presiding  elder  of  this  district  from  1825  to  1827 
inclusive.  He  professed  religion  at  sixteen,  joined 
the  Conference  in  1819.  He  is  said  to  have  proven 
himself  "  a  gifted,  highly  respectable  and  useful 
member"  to  his  death.  Returning  from  Conference 
in  Petersburg,  1827,  he  was  caught  in  a  terrible 
storm,  and  is  supposed  to  have  been  thrown  from 
his  carriage.  He  stated  that  he  became  entangled 
in  the  reins.  His  face  was  covered  with  blood,  and 
he  sustained  injuries  from  which  he  very  soon  died. 
But  he  died  in  peace  in  the  arms  of  Jesus. 

William  Hammett  was  the  pastor  in  1825.  He 
joined  the  Conference  as  a  transfer  from  Tennessee 
in  1823.  His  rich  Irish  elorpience  rendered  him 
very  popular.  For  ten  years,  he  was  very  success- 
ful in  good  works.  lie  was  flattered  until  he  was 
intoxicated  with  the  applause  of  the  world.  He 
visited  his  relatives  in  Ireland ;  on  his  return,  was 
appointed  Chaplain  to  the  University  of  Virginia, 
and  afterwards  Chaplain  to  Congress.  He  then 
studied  medicine,  moved  to  Mississippi,  and  mar- 
ried a  wealthy  lady.  He  continued  to  preach  occa- 
sionally, as  a  local  minister,  for  some  time,  but  lost 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  129 

the  unction  of  the  spirit.  He  grew  worldly-minded 
and  ambitious,  entered  the  arena  of  politics,  and  was 
elected  to  Congress.  He  made  no  mark  as  a  Con- 
gressman. Though  immersed  in  the  pleasures  of 
the  world,  he  still  showed  kindness  to  the  Methodist 
preachers,  and  gladly  entertained  them.  His  de- 
cline was  slow  and  protracted,  and  it  is  said  that 
his  former  religious  convictions  returned,  and  that 
he  read  his  Bible  a  great  deal  in  his  last  days.  May 
we  not  indulge  the  hope  that  his  soul  escaped  from 
the  world's  thralldom  before  he  died  ? 

The  following  description  of  George  A.  Bain,  and 
the  statement  about  his  work  in  Raleigh,  are  from 
the  pen  of  brother  Blake  : 

"  George  A.  Bain  succeeded  B.  T.  Blake  in  1828. 
In  stature,  he  was  slim,  but  stood  erect  and  straight. 
In  ministerial  duties,  he  was  a  Methodist.  In  pri- 
vate, a  man  of  prayer;  in  visiting,  strictly  a  pastor. 
It  was  as  natural  for  him  to  be  grave  as  it  is  for  a 
healthy  child  to  be  playful.  He  carried  his  solem- 
nity not  only  into  the  pulpit,  but  into  his  social  in- 
tercourse, never  unbending  himself  to  the  levity  too 
common,  perhaps,  to  his  predecessors.  It  was  not 
from  sadness  or  melancholy,  but  from  the  convic- 
tion that  a  Methodist  minister  ought  to  be  always 
grave. 

The  Virginia  Annual  Conference  was  held  in 
Raleigh  in  February,  1828;  Bishop  Soule,  presiding. 
In  reading  out  the  appointments,  George  A.  Bain 
was  read  out  for  Raleigh  Station.  The  stewards 
remonstrated.  The  Bishop  required  them  to  meet 
officially  and  state  their  objections.  They  reported  : 
17 


130  The  Centennial  of 

"  "We  are  not  able  to  support  a  married  preacher." 
Bain  was  sent  for,  and  heard  the  objection.  To  this 
he  replied,  k'I  am  glad  the  brethren  have  no  other 
objection  to  me  as  their  minister,  and  if  that  is  all, 
I  prefer  to  stay  and  run  the  risk  of  being  supported. 
He  staid,  was  supported,  and  left  the  church  in  a 
better  spiritual  condition  than  that  in  which  he 
found  it." 

George  W.  Nolley  joined  the  Conference  in  1825. 
God  is  still  preserving  his  useful  life.  He  is  living 
at  Ashland,  Virginia,  resting  on  the  list  of  the  super- 
annuated. From  a  letter  written  to  me  in  J  nuary 
last,  I  learned  that  his  health  is  very  feeble.  He 
is  waiting  by  the  River.  Safe  and  happy  be  his 
passage  to  the  better  land  ! 

Moses  Brock  was  presiding  elder  1828  and  1829. 
Consecrated,  persevering,  unwavering  in  his  integ- 
rity to  what  he  esteemed  duty,  he  accomplished 
much  for  the  cause  of  Methodism  in  his  day.  He 
was  one  of  the  chief  founders  of  Greensboro  Female 
College.  He  moved  from  North  Carolina  to  Ten- 
nessee. He  was  married  twice  before  his  death. 
He  remained  faithful  to  his  divine  Master,  and  was 
called  to  his  reward  in  1870. 

Abrain  Penn  was  pastor  in  1830.  He  was  born 
in  1803,  in  Patrick  county,  Virginia ;  where  many 
highly  respectable  relatives  still  reside.  Before  he 
was  twenty  years  old  he  married  and  went  to  Phil- 
adelphia to  study  medicine.  The  death  of  his 
young  wife  called  him  from  his  studies  and  turned 
his  thoughts  to  his  own  soul.  After  ten  months  of 
painful  struggle  as  a  penitent,  he  was  converted  at 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  131 

a  camp-meeting.  He  joined  the  Conference  in  this 
place  in  1828.  His  ministry  was  owned  of  God  in 
the  conversion  of  souls.  He  was  an  exceedingly 
approachable  and  pleasant  character,  and  was  much 
beloved.  He  suffered  long  with  heart  disease,  but 
worked  on,  through  great  pain,  to  the  last.  His 
obituary  states,  "  not  a  fear  or  doubt  marred  the 
calmness  of  the  closing  scene.  Peaceful ly,  joyfully, 
he  resigned  his  soul  into  the  hands  of  the  great 
Creator." 

Melville  B.  Cox  was  born  in  Hallowell,  Maine, 
November  9,  1799.  He  was  converted  in  July, 
1818,  while  praying  "  alone  in  the  woods."  He 
preached  his  first  sermon  December  20, 1820;  joined 
the  Bath  Conference  in  1823;  and  traveled  till  1825. 
He  then  took  a  supernumerary  relation,  from  ill 
health,  and,  next  year,  was  superannuated.  In  1828 
he  established  the  "  Itinerant,"  a  religious  journal. 
In  1830,  after  losing  $1,000  on  his  paper,  and  being 
in  low  health  and  sore  family  affliction,  he  came 
South,  joined  the  Virginia  Conference,  and  was  sta- 
tioned in  this  city  for  the  year  1831.  He  says  of 
his  sojourn  here,  "  I  preached  and  prayed  as  long  as 
I  could  keep  out  of  the  bed."  "  I  preached  but 
little  after  the  first  of  May.  But  some  souls  were 
converted  ;  enough  to  satisfy  me  that  I  had  followed 
the  leadings  of  providence."  While  here,  he  was  in- 
flamed with  a  desire  to  go  as  missionary  to  Africa. 
He  said,  "  My  soul  burns  with  impatient  desire  to 
holdup  the  Cross  of  Christ  on  missionary  ground." 
In  May,  1832,  having  heard  of  his  appointment,  he 
wrote,  "  I  hail  it  as  the  most  joyful  appointment 


132  The  Centennial  of 

from  them  I  have  ever  received.       *  * 

I  thirst  to  be  on  my  way.  I  pray  God  that  he  may 
fit  my  soul  and  body  for  the  duties  before  me.  Then 
I  have  no  lingering  fear.  A  grave  in  Africa  shall 
be  sweet  to  me,  if  he  sustain  me."  He  landed  safely 
in  Africa,  formed  the  Liberian  Mission,  and  labored 
to  the  utmost  of  his  strength.  He  soon  contracted 
the  coast  fever,  and  sank  rapidly  into  the  arms  of 
death.  His  end  came  July  21,  1833.  Among  his 
last  words  were,  "Never  give  up  the  Mission. 
Africa  must  be  redeemed,  though  thousands  perish." 

Joseph  Carson  was  presiding  elder  from  1830  to 
1832  inclusive.  He  was  one  of  the  pioneers — -join- 
ing Conference  in  1805.  He  was  spared  for  many 
useful  years,  and  will  be  long  remembered  as  one  of 
the  faithful  men  of  Clod  in  the  Virginia  Conference. 
He  will  doubtless  have  a  multitude  of  seals  to  his 
ministry  in  the  last  day.  He  departed  in  peace  in 
1875. 

Rev.  James  Reid  was  presiding  elder  of  Raleigh 
District  from  1833  to  1836  inclusive.  He  was  born 
in  Caswell  county,  North  Carolina,  April  5,  1795, 
embraced  religion  in  1810,  was  called  to  the  minis- 
try in  his  boyhood,  joined  the  Conference  in  1815, 
and  served  the  church  in  his  high  calling  for  nearly 
fifty-seven  years.  He  did  a  great  and  invaluable 
work  for  Methodism  in  North  Carolina  and  Vir- 
ginia. He  died  suddenly  at  Dr.  N.  H.  D.  "Wilson's, 
in  Greensboro,  on  November  8th,  1872.  He  had 
often  expressed  his  preparation  for  the  great  change. 

George  W.  Langhorne,  pastor  in  1835,  was  one  of 
the  most  influential  and  devoted  ministers  in  Vir- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  133 

ginia  and  North  Carolina.  I  wrote  to  him  for  his 
recollections  of  Raleigh,  but  he  had  won  the  chris- 
tian soldier's  last  victory  before  ray  letter  reached 
Richmond.  * 

William  S.  Johnson  was  pastor  1839  and  1841. 
He  married  the  amiable  daughter  of  Dr.  Hunter,  of 
Raleigh.  So  feeble  was  his  health  in  October,  1811, 
that  he  was  utterly  unable  to  do  the  work  of  the 
ministry.  His  name  still  lingers  as  a  synonym  of 
zeal  and  piety.  He  was  a  very  able  preacher.  He 
won  the  esteem  and  love  of  those  who  knew  him, 
"fought  the  good  fight  of  faith,"  and  passed  from 
the  toil  and  suffering  of  his  ministry  to  the  glorious 
inheritance  of  saints. 

John  ToddBrame  was  pastor  in  1810.  He  was 
a  child  of  genius.  His  father  died  while  the  son 
was  yet  very  young,  but  the  mother  cared  for  that 
son  and  raised  him  for  Jesus.  He  had  a  soul  and 
body  like  Summerfield.  The  lire  of  his  poetic  and 
gifted  mind,  purified  by  the  air  of  our  holy  religion, 
shone  like  a  light  from  the  inner  heavens  ;  but  like 
a  lamp  of  this  transitory  world,  it  consumed  as  it 
shone.  He  lived  on  the  verge  of  heaven  and  died 
as  in  sight  of  his  heavenly  home.  The  fatal  at- 
tack came  while  he  was  at  Louisville  as  delegate  to 
the  General  Conference  in  1845,  and  he  died  in 
Washington,  North  Carolina,  soon  after. 

Sidney  D.  Bumpass  was  pastor  in  1842  and  1843. 
The  account,  already  given,  of  his  great  work  for 
Edenton  Street  Church,  must  forever  endear  him  to 
its  congregation.  He  was  a  truly  holy  man — one 
of  the  most  devoted  ministers  that  ever  belonged 


134  The  Centennial  of 

to  our  Conference.  He  started  the  first  religious 
paper  of  our  Conference — The  Weekly  Message, 
that  was  long  as  an  angel  of  truth  and  mercy  in 
our  borders.  He  is  endeared  to  me  personally,  as 
the  one  who  placed  holy  hands  upon  my  head  in 
the  rite  of  baptism,  when  I  joined  the  church.  His 
death  was  one  of  complete  victory  in  our  blessed 
Saviour. 

Itufns  T.  Heflin  is  well  remembered  by  many, 
who  are  present.  He  was  a  very  earnest  and  effec- 
tive preacher.  He  was  the  first  editor  of  the  North 
Carolina  Advocate,  which  has  rendered  such  great 
service  to  the  church,  not  only  in  Raleigh,  but 
throughout  our  borders.  After  long,  successful 
work  in  our  Conference,  he  moved  to  the  State  of 
Texas,  and  became  the  president  of  a  female  college. 
He  was  engaged  in  the  duties  of  this  high  position, 
at  the  time  of  his  death.  Bishop  Early  assured  our 
Conference,  at  its  next  session,  that,  by  divine  grace, 
he  was  conqueror  over  the  last  enemy. 

Peter  Doub  was  presiding  elder  of  Raleigh  Dis- 
trict in  1845  and  1846,  and  on  the  station  in  1851 
and  1852.  He  joined  Conference  in  1818.  He  was 
gifted  with  a  strong  constitution,  that  withstood  the 
tremendous  labors  of  many  years — in  the  itinerancy. 
When  failing  health  rendered  it  necessary  to  lighten 
his  labors,  he  was  made  Professor  of  Biblical  Litera- 
ture in  Trinity  College.  In  this  position  he  labored 
assiduously,  to  the  close  of  his  extraordinary  life. 
His  ministry  was  directly  instrumental  in  the  con- 
version of  a  multitude  of  souls.  He  possessed  a 
high  order  of  talent,  and  was  unusually  well-read 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  135 

in  the  standards  of  theology.  He  was  a  powerful 
advocate  of  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  Methodism. 
With  both  tongue  and  pen,  he  delighted  to  labor 
for  the  cause  of  his  Master. 

His  nature  was  a  loving  benediction.  His  sim- 
plicity was  as  enchaining  as  his  talent  was  admi- 
rable. His  pious  life  and  happy  death  are  a  precious 
heritage  to  the  North  Carolina  Conference.  Such 
men  are  the  peculiar  product  of  Methodism  ;  while 
it  is  to  such  men  that  the  glorious  conquests  of 
Methodism  are  due. 

David  B.  Nicholson  was  presiding  elder  of  the 
Raleigh  District  in  1858  and  1859.  He  joined  the 
Conference  in  1831,  and  was  active  in  the  itinerant 
ranks  till  failing  health  called  him  home  to  suffer 
and  die.  He  was  long  one  of  the  foremost  men  in 
our  Conference.  He  passed  through  death  to  the 
better  land  in  1866.  I  remember  well  his  poetic, 
swan-like  exclamation,  not  many  days  before  his 
death.  It  was,  when  he,  notwithstanding  his  ex- 
treme feebleness,  gathered  his  family  around  the 
family  altar.  He  beautifully  said  "I  feel  that  my 
rest  will  be  sweet  in  the  grave.'1  Truly  may  we 
say  of  him,  "He  rests  in  peace." 

"William  Barringer  was  presiding  elder  of  the  dis- 
trict in  1860,  1861,  and  1862.  He  was  born  Febru- 
ary 18th,  1816.  He  was  a  direct  descendant  from 
John  Paul  Barringer,  who  was  imprisoned  in  Char- 
leston during  the  Revolution,  for  his  patriotic  words 
and  deeds ;  and  his  mother  was  the  daughter  of  a 
Revolutionary  soldier.  He  was  converted  about 
1842.  Though  convicted  at  a  camp-meeting,  he  was 


136  The  Centennial  of 

converted  when  alone  in  his  store.  He  joined  the 
South  Carolina  Conference,  at  Columbia,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1844.  lie  was  transferred  to  the  North  Caro- 
lina Conference  in  1850.  He  worked  as  a  true 
Methodist  preacher  to  the  week  of  his  death.  The 
most  winning  amiability,  the  most  genuine  integ- 
rity, the  most  honorable  manliness  and  the  most 
conscientious  piety  were  blended  in  his  noble  char- 
acter. It  was  a  sad  day  for  North  Carolina  Meth- 
odism, when  he  met  the  accident  that  so  suddenly 
removed  him  from  his  loving  brethren  and  his  cher- 
ished work.  He  was  fatally  injured  by  a  fall  from 
the  buildings  of  Greensboro'  Female  College,  on  the 
11th  of  March,  1873.  He  was  conscious  long 
enough  after  his  fall,  to  give  the  most  consoling  as- 
surance that  all  was  well,  and  that  he  was  ready  for 
his  heavenly  home.     lie  died  March  16th,  1873. 

Numa  Fletcher  Reid  is  the  last  of  the  departed 
pastors  of  Raleigh  church,  that  1  shall  mention. 
Many  of  you  knew  him  as  pastor  in  1855  and  1856 ; 
and  as  presiding  elder  of  this  district  from  1863  to 
1866  inclusive,  and  again  in  1871,  and  part  of  1872. 
How  strange  to  speak  of  him  as  dead,  even  to  this 
day  !  He  wras  abundant  in  excellent  labors  in  many 
fields,  and  to  the  last  he  was  honorable  and  honored 
in  them  all.  At  the  time  of  his  death,  there  was 
probably  no  minister  in  the  State  who  was  so  much 
esteemed  and  admired.  He  died  June  6th,  1873. 
In  March  preceding,  when  broken  in  health,  he  said, 
"  I  should  like  to  preach  a  few  more  times  ;  I  would 
call  for  penitents  every  time  I  preached.  I  could 
tell  the  people  better  about  eternal  things.     I  am 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  137 

waiting  by  the  river,  and  feel  and  know  the  reality 
of  what  I  have  loved  and  preached.  If  I  never  go 
to  Conference  again,  tell  the  brethren  that  I  loved 
them  better  and  still  better  to  the  last,  and  bid  them 
good-bye  till  we  meet  in  heaven."  For  his  last  two 
days  he  rejoiced  almost  continually.  His  last  words 
were,  "Frank,  I  shall  see  your  mother  and  my 
mother."  When  no  longer  able  to  speak,  he  waved 
his  pale,  shiveled  hand  in  token  of  triumph  ;  like 
a  tattered  flag  over  a  hard-won,  glorious  victory. 

Thus  closes  my  imperfect  history.  To  those  who 
survive,  let  me  say :  The  examples  of  our  depart- 
ed brethren,  in  the  succession  of  the  pulpit  of 
Edenton  Street  Church,  should  stimulate  us  to  the 
duties  that  yet  demand  our  care  and  toil.  Oh  !  let 
us  emulate  their  fidelity,  that  we  too  may  make  full 
proof  of  our  ministry,  triumph  over  temptation  and 
death,  "  and,  departing,  leave  behind  us  "  names 
and  memories  and  influences  that  will  still  bless  the 
world!  And  you,  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church  in  Raleigh  :  Cherish  these  sanctified  pas- 
tors, now  stationed  in  the  eternal  city,  or  traveling 
the  radiant  paths  of  glory  in  the  blissful  circuit  of 
heaven.  Remember  gratefully  the  glorified  mem- 
bers of  your  church.  Imitate  their  virtue  and 
devotion,  that  you  may,  at  last,  be  admitted  into 
their  happy  and  glorious  union.  When  I  think  of 
the  sainted  dead,  I  do  not  feel  that  they  have  ceased 
to  be,  to  us,  a  blessing.  Their  examples  speak  to  us 
still.  Their  prayers  are  potent  still.  Do  they  not 
remember  us  ?  May  we  not  reverently  assume  that 
we  know  the  holy  desires  of  their  raptured  spirits 
18 


138  The  Centennial  of 

respecting  us?  When  Henry,  of  Navarre,  was 
about  to  join  tlie  battle  of  Jvry,  be  addressed  his 
soldiers  in  these  words  :  "  My  children,  if  you 
lose  your  colors  in  the  tight,  follow  my  white  plume, 
and  it  will  lead  you  to  the  right  and  to  glory."  So 
may  we  feel  that  the  spirits  of  the  faithful  preach- 
ers and  members  of  Edenton  Street  Methodist 
Church  cry  to  us  to-night:  "Oh,  ye  followers  and 
children  !  You  are  yet  in  the  struggle  !  Onward, 
and  never  waver  !  If  you  lose  your  colors  in  the 
fight,  look  for  our  white  plumes,  and  follow  us  as 
we  followed  Jesus  !  Then  you  will  be  led  to  the 
right  on  earth,  and  finally,  to  everlasting  glory  /" 

In  a  wonderful  sense,  it  is  true  that  this  is  a  land 
of  causes — heaven  the  land  of  effects.  Earth  be- 
gins what  heaven  perpetuates.  That  which  is 
truly  spiritual  and  holy,  and  constitutes  the  es- 
sence of  God's  kingdom,  in  this  world,  will  live 
forever  in  the  world  to  come  Such,  most  surely,, 
is  the  sacred  communion  of  the  saints  in  their  fra- 
ternal mingling  here.  Oh  !  then,  we  may  fondly 
cherish  the  transporting  hope  that  there  will  be 
blissful  convocations  of  the  faithful  preachers  and 
members  of  the  Raleigh  Methodist  Church  in  that 
Beautiful  Land  of  Life  and  Love.  No  penitent  wail 
— no  funeral  gloom— no  trembling  prayer,  will  break 
the  heavenly  harmony.  But,  oh !  What  praise  \ 
WThat  songs  !    What  shouts  !    What  greetings  ! 

"There  none  shall  beckon  us  away, 
Or  bid  our  festival  be  done : 
Our  meeting-time,  the  eternal  day — 
Our  meeting-place,  the  Eternal  Throne  l 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  139 

There,  hand  in  hand,  firm-linked  at  k,st, 
And  heart  to  heart,  enfolded  all, 
We'll  smile  upon  the  troubled  past, 
And  wonder  that  we  wept  at  all." 

At  the  close  of  Prof.  Mangum's  address,  Rev.  Dr. 
Burkhead  announced  that  Bishop  E.  M.  Marvin, 
D.  D.,  would  solicit  subscriptions  for  the  purpose 
of  building  a  Metropolitan  Church  in  the  city  of 
Raleigh.  The  Bishop  came  forward,  and  addressed 
the  vast  crowd  in  his  own  inimitable  style,  and  re- 
ceived subscriptions  for  the  object  named  above  to 
the  amount  of  eighty-four  hundred  and  thirty -five 
dollars. 

The  Long  Meter  Doxology  was  sung  to  the  tune 
of  Sessions  by  the  vast  assembly,  and  the  benedic- 
tion was  pronounced  by  Bishop  Marvin. 


THIRD   DAY. 

March  23,  1876. 

The  Centennial  exercises  were  resumed  at  10 
o'clock  A.  M.,  in  Metropolitan  Hall. 

Bishop  H.  N.  McTyeire,  D.  D.,  in  the  chair. 

Religious  services  conducted  by  Rev.  Joseph  H. 
Wheeler,  of  Smithfield,  North  Carolina. 

The  chairman  introduced  Bishop  D.  S.  Doggett, 
D.  D.,  of  Richmond,  Virginia,  who  addressed  the 
large  and  appreciative  audience  for  two  hours  and 
ten  minutes,  on  the  u  Progress  of  Methodism  in  the 
Nineteenth  Century" 


140  The  Centennial  of 

The  Bishop's  address  was  one  of  the  grandest  ef- 
forts of  his  life.  We  greatly  desired  to  publish  it 
in  this  volume;  but  the  good  Bishop  has  seen  tit  to 
withhold  it.  So  it  is.  We  made  importunate  ef- 
forts to  secure  the  address,  but  we  failed.  It  will 
live  in  the  minds  of  those  who  heard  it  and  do  them 
good.  After  singing  by  the  choir,  the  benediction 
was  pronounced  by  Bishop  Doggett. 

AFTERNOON    SESSION. 

March  23,  1876. 

The  exercises  were  resumed  in  Metropolitan  Hall, 
at  3£  o'clock  P.  M. 

Rev.  J.  P.  Moore,  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Raleigh 
District,  in  the  chair. 

Religious  services  were  conducted  by  Rev.  W.  S. 
Black,  Presiding  Elder  of  Wilmington  District. 

The  chairman  then  introduced  Rev.  II.  T.  Hudson, 
of  Shelby,  who  addressed  the  audience.     Subject: 

"THE    INFLUENCE   OF    CITY    CHURCHES    ON    THE    RURAL 
DISTRICTS." 

Mr.  Hudson  said : 
Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen : 

The  subject  assigned  to  me  leads  me  to  the  dis- 
cussion of  the  following  proposition  :  The  import- 
ance of  establishing  the  gospel  in  all  of  its  'plenary 
poiver  in  the  cities  as  the  most  effective  means  of 
spreading  it  through  the  outlying  country. 

First,  let  us  notice  the  influential  position  of  cities 
as  having  an  important  bearing  on  this  subject.    It 


ac^^rT^-^ 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  141 

has  been  truly  said  that  a  few  men  do  the  thinking 
for  the  world.  And  it  is  equally  tme,  that  a  few 
spots  on  the  earth  originate  the  multifarious  streams 
of  influence,  which  govern  the  complicated  machin- 
ery of  the  world.  And  these  spots  are  the  cities. 
Cities  are  centres  of  influence.  They  are  regal 
thrones  of  moulding  potency.  Socially,  politically, 
commercially,  intellectually,  and  morally,  they  are 
the  supreme  heads  of  the  broad  world.  The  word 
capital,  derived  from  the  Latin  term  caput,  head, 
suggests  the  idea  of  governing  power.  The  head  is 
the  supreme  part  of  the  body — the  capital  of  the 
human  kingdom.  In  this  capital  stands  the  throne 
of  reason,  the  school  of  the  Fine  Arts,  and  the  exe- 
cutive sceptre  of  government.  As  the  glory  of  the 
human  body  resides  in  the  head,  so  the  capitals  of 
the  nations  are  the  luminous  suns  of  the  civilized 
world  Whatsoever  is  beautiful  in  architecture, 
whatsoever  is  urbane  in  society,  whatsoever  is  bril- 
liant in  literature,  whatsoever  is  profound  in  states- 
manship, tends  to  globe  itself  up  in  the  cities.  The}' 
are  the  well  cultivated  gardens  of  the  world's  efflor- 
escence. Their  influence  over  the  world  is  immeas- 
urable. The  illustrious  Themistocles  boasted  that 
he  governed  the  world.  "  For,"  said  he,  u  I  rule 
Athens,  Athens  rules  Greece,  and  Greece  the 
world."  He  ruled  the  world  through  the  city  of 
Athens.  So  men  ruled  the  vast  domain  of  the  As- 
syrian empire  through  the  city  of  Babylon.  There 
is  a  great  cotton  factory  in  England.  On  the  first 
floor,  thousands  of  spindles  are  whirled,  busy  in 
spinning  the  cotton  into  thread.     On  the  second, 


112  The  Centennial  of 

are  hundreds  of  looms  busy  in  weaving  cloth.  All 
of  these  buzzing  spindles  and  clattering  looms  are 
turned  by  the  steam  generated  in  the  great  boiler 
in  the  engine-house.  So  in  the  boiling  caldrons  of 
city  life  are  generated  the  influences,  which  whirl 
the  social,  political,  and  moral  machinery  of  the 
towns,  villages,  and  rural  districts  of  a  nation. 
The  illustrious  city  of  ancient  Koine  governed  a 
population  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  millions,  and 
swayed  the  political  destiny  of  twenty  nations  out- 
side of  herself.  The  iron-wheel  of  the  power  turned 
on  the  Seven  Hills.  And  such  is  the  relation,  to- 
day, of  London  to  the  British  empire ;  of  Paris  to 
France,  and  the  capitals  of  other  nations  to  their 
rural  districts.  Some  rivers  take  their  rise  in  lakes, 
and  spread  verdure,  floral  beauty,  and  fertility  thou- 
sands of  miles  alono-  their  winding  courses,  and  turn 
the  wheels  of  scores  of  mills  and  factories  on  their 
banks.  Others  take  their  rise  in  malarial  swamps, 
and  spread  deadly  diseases  all  along  their  far-reach- 
ing courses.  The  purity  or  impurity  of  the  sources 
of  such  rivers  becomes,  therefore,  a  matter  of  the 
utmost  importance.  Cities  are  the  lakes  in  which 
the  rivers  of  influence  take  their  rise  and  flow  out 
into  the  country.  If  these  lakes  are  pure  so  will  be 
the  streams,  bearing  innumerable  blessings  to  the 
country.  If  they  be  poisoned  with  the  sins  of  polit- 
ical corruption,  infidelity,  drunkenness,  sensual 
lusts,  what  tongue  can  tell  the  vast  amount  of  evil 
they  will  inflict  on  the  world  ?  The  question  then 
of  making  these  city  fountains  pure,  wholesome, 
sweet,  is  one  of  stupendous  moment.     So  thought 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  143 

Christ,  and  He  commanded  his  disciples  to  go  and 
preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature,  "  beginning  at 
Jerusalem."  Purify  that  city  first,  that  its  streams 
of  influence  on  Judea  may  be  good.  And  on  that 
city  descended  the  purifying  fire  of  the  Pentecost. 
And  the  numerous  visitors  in  the  city  at  the  time 
caught  the  sacred  flame  and  thus  scattered  the  seeds 
of  the  gospel  far  over  the  world.  So  thought  St. 
Paul,  the  great  pioneer  missionary  of  the  world. 
He  wrote  most  all  of  his  stirring  epistles  to  cities. 
With  a  flaming  zeal  which  great  floods  of  persecu- 
tions could  not  quench,  with  an  indomitable  pur- 
pose, which  the  perils  of  the  sea  and  land  could  not 
change,  he  itinerated  over  the  earth,  and  labored 
heroically,  to  found  strong  churches  in  the  cities  of 
Antioch,  Philippi,  Thesslonica,  Athens,  Corinth, 
Ephesus.  All  these  were  central,  populous,  flour- 
ishing cities.  They  occupied  influential  positions 
in  their  respective  localities.  They  were  invaluable 
centres  for  radiating  the  light  of  the  gospel  out  into 
the  surrounding  country.  Like  a  skillful  general, 
he  occupied  the  strategic  points  of  the  country,  and 
there  planted  and  leveled  his  heaviest  artillery 
against  the  enemy,  knowing  that  the  winning  and 
holding  of  these  places  would  go  far  in  conquering 
the  outlying  territory.  And  the  primitive  fathers 
of  the  church  followed  the  wise  course  of  Paul. 
They  labored  to  make  the  gospel  glorious  and  in- 
fluential in  the  great  cities  of  their  day.  Polycarp 
prayed,  labored,  preached,  to  impart  gospel  purity 
to  the  city  of  Smyrna.  Ireneus  worked  in  the  city 
of  Lyons,  Origen  in    Alexandria,  Cyprian  in  Car- 


14:4:  The  Centennial  of 

thage,  Eusebeus  in  Cesarea,  Ambrose  in  Milan,  Au- 
gustine in  Ileppo,  Chrysostom,  the  golden  mouthed 
orator,  in  Constantinople.  Calvinism,  that  holds 
in  its  iron  grasp  the  creed  of  millions,  was  born  in 
the  city  of  Geneva.  The  great  ark  of  Protestanism, 
which  has  perserved  from  the  flood  of  papal  corrup- 
tions the  fertile  seeds  of  a  pure  gospel  with  which 
the  field  of  the  world  is  to  be  sown,  and  from  which 
the  millennial  harvest  is  to  grow,  was  built  under 
the  inspiring  power  of  city  life.  The  first  Confer- 
ence held  by  Mr.  Wesley  was  in  the  city  of  London 
— the  first  class-meeting  in  the  city  of  Bristol.  The 
fire  of  American  Methodism  began  to  kindle  in  the 
city  of  New  York.  This  spark  grew,  ran  south- 
ward and  spread  in  the  cities  of  Philadelphia  and 
Baltimore.  Waxing  warmer  it  sped  along  down 
through  Petersburg  and  Norfolk,  and  soon  it  grew 
strong  enough  to  leap  the  waters  of  the  Roanoke 
river  and  shed  its  genial  light  in' Halifax  county  of 
our  State.  And  thence  it  has  spread  westward. 
Nothing  could  arrest  its  onward  course.  With  a 
fiery  rush  it  swept  through  the  thornes  of  opposition 
with  crackling  joy.  The  winds  of  persecution  only 
caught  it  up  and  spread  it  more  rapidly  over  the 
country,  and  made  it  roar  in  louder  shouts  of  vic- 
tory, until  now  its  camp-fires  light  up  all  the  piny 
plains  of  the  East — glow  on  all  the  hill-tops  in  the 
middle  portion  of  the  State,  and  blaze  on  the  moun- 
tain summits  of  the  West. 

As  cities  then  are  centres  of  commanding  influ- 
ence, it  follows  with  the  emphasis  of  thunder,  that, 
here  in  these  places,  the  gospel  should  reign  with 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  145 

supreme  power — here  its  saving  salt  should  be  scat- 
tered with  a  most  bountiful  hand — here  its  cleansing- 
water  should  abound  as  the  flowing  waves  of  the 
sea — here  its  weapons  should  be  wielded  with  the 
most  heroic  and  skillful  power — here  its  warning- 
voice  should  sound  with  the  thundering  peals  of  a 
tropical  storm — here  its  light  should  shine  with  the 
blazing  glory  of  everlasting  summer.  All  the  an- 
cient and  modern  appliances  of  the  gospel  should 
here  be  utilized  and  applied  with  ceaseless  power. 
But  let  us  notice  more  especially  some  important 
particulars  bearing  upon  the  subject.  First :  The 
city  Sunday  schools  exert  an  important  influence 
upon  the  country  Sunday  schools.  They  live  in 
the  centre  of  light  where  they  can  gather  up  the  lat- 
est and  purest  Sunday  school  literature — the  most 
inspiring  songs,  the  best  plans  of  efficient  teaching, 
and  strongest  inducements  urging  the  pupils  to 
study.  All  these  things  are  carried  into  the  coun- 
try and  more  or  less  copied  by  the  schools  there. 
They  thus  become  models  after  which  thousands 
are  moulded.  It  is  important,  therefore,  that  they 
be  first-class  in  all  of  their  particulars.  And  what 
interest  of  the  church  that  holds  in  its  hands  the 
spiritual  destiny  of  so  many  millions  of  immortal 
souls  as  this  ?  O  !  if  our  land  blossomed  all  over 
with  efficient  Sunday  schools  what  rapid  strides  the 
world  would  make  towards  the  golden  harvest  of 
the  millennial  summer.  As  the  radiance  of  the  sun 
fills  the  blue  heavens  above  us,  as  its  golden  feet 
dance  upon  the  face  of  the  sea,  as  its  glory  lingers 
upon  the  summer  foliage  of  the  spreading  forest,  as 
19 


146  The  Centennial  of 

it  glistens  upon  the  green  fields,  as  it  beautifies 
every  flower  and  shines  in  every  grain  of  sand,  so 
ubiquitous,  beautiful  and  glorious  would  be  the 
light  of  youthful  piety  shining  over  this  land,  if  the 
number  and  effectiveness  of  our  Sunday  schools 
wrere  as  great  as  it  is  in  our  power  to  make  them. 

Secondly :  The  importance  of  city  piety  will  ap- 
pear in  the  fact  that  here  is  the  seat  of  the  state  and 
national  government — here  its  legislative,  judicial 
and  executive  machinery  is  located,  and  the  moral 
or  immoral  tone  of  the  social  atmosphere  will  have 
much  to  do  with  the  working  of  this  machinery. 
That  the  character  of  our  rulers  has  much  to  do 
with  the  happiness  and  prosperity  of  the  people,  is 
so  true  to  the  teaching  of  history  as  to  become  pro- 
verbial. Solomon  had  observed  this  fact  long  ago. 
Hence,  he  says:  "When  the  righteous  are  in  au- 
thority, the  people  rejoice;  but,  when  the  wicked 
beareth  rule  the  people  mourn."  The  bloodiest 
chapter  in  the  bloody  book  of  time  is  that  which  is 
red  with  the  blood  of  martyrs  shed  by  wicked  rul- 
ers. When  the  ruler,  Constantine,  embraced  Chris- 
tianity, he  quenched  the  fire  of  pagan  persecution, 
and  the  people  being  shielded,  rejoiced  under  the 
white  banner  of  peace.  We  talk  about  the  ship  of 
state,  and  that  figure  is  quite  suggestive.  The  ship 
floats  on  a  dangerous  element.  It  is  freighted  with 
valuable  things.  The  precious  lives  of  the  passen- 
gers are  dependent  on  the  safety  of  the  vessel.  And 
the  safety  of  the  ship  is  dependent  again  upon  the 
sober  habits  and  nautical  skill  of  the  captain  and 
his  crew.     Incompetency  here  is  the  destruction  of 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  147 

the  vessel  and  all  it  contains.  Behold  our  great 
national  ship.  Grander  in  magnitude  than  Noah's 
Ark,  or  the  Great  Eastern  of  the  Atlantic.  It  is 
twenty-four  hundred  miles  long  and  thirteen  hun- 
dred wide.  It  bears  in  its  capacious  bosom  the  hap- 
piness of  forty  million  souls.  And  if  by  Csesarism, 
and  avarice,  and  party  incompetency,  she  should 
be  engulfed  in  the  maelstrom  of  wild  anarchy,  what 
a  world  of  beauty  and  glory  would  be  wrecked. 
There  is  no  greater  calamity  to  a  nation  than  the 
moral  bankruptcy  of  its  rulers.  Should  the  Atlan- 
tic ocean  break  over  our  shores  and  roll  across  to 
the  Pacific,  sweeping  down  and  burying  all  of  our 
material  wealth,  yet  sparing  our  lives,  it  would  be 
a  mercy  compared  to  the  ocean-deluge  of  dishonesty 
and  crime  in  our  public  men.  For  what  are  wheat  - 
fields,  cotton-fields,  vineyards  ;  what  are  stores  and 
manufactories  ;  what  are  banks  of  gold  and  silver, 
when,  under  the  supreme  control  of  wild  beasts,  or 
men  bereft  of  conscience  and  honor,  who  are  beasts 
in  the  form  of  men  ?  But  what  has  the  morality 
of  private  citizens  to  do  with  the  character  of  our 
rulers  ? 

Much  every  way.  Who  elect  these  men  but  the 
private  citizens?  Or  rather  partizan  citizens  are 
the  levers  that  elevate  them  to  places  of  power  and 
trust.  The  vox  populi  thunders  at  the  ballot  box, 
and  the  administration  is  the  echo  of  that  thunder. 
The  popular  heart  is  an  active  volcano  of  ignorance 
and  party  zeal,  and  the  government  becomes  the 
crater  for  the  outgushings  of  the  hot  lava,  which 
flows   as  fiery  streams  desolating  the   beauty  and 


148  The  Centennial  of 

glory  of  the  land.  Now,  it  is  at  the  capitals  of  this 
country  where  the  political  caucuses  are  formed. 
And  it  is  these  caucuses  that  govern  by  nomina- 
tions and  other  means  the  elections  ;  and,  therefore, 
the  moral  atmosphere  of  these  cities  should  be  high 
toned. 

Thirdly  :  City  churches  bear  a  prominent  part  in 
originating,  fostering  and  conducting  our  charitable 
institutions.  Hospitals  for  the  neglected  sick,  alms- 
houses to  feed  the  penniless  poor,  asylums  to  care 
for  the  blind,  deaf,  dumb,  and  insane,  are  the  benefi- 
cent fruits  of  Christianity.  Religion  is  born  of  di- 
vine love  and  diffuses  kindness.  The  first  hospital 
ever  built  was  founded  in  the  city  of  Constantinople, 
under  the  direction  of  christians.  When  the  plague, 
in  the  reign  of  Gallienus,  visited  the  city  of  Alexan- 
dria, and  the  victims  lay  piled  up  in  the  streets,  the 
pagans  fled  the  city  and  left  their  dead  unburied. 
But  the  christians  remained  to  nurse  the  sick  and 
bury  the  dead.  In  this  work  of  heroic  mercy  many 
of  them  lost  their  lives.  And  when  a  similar  pesti- 
lence spread  desolation  through  the  city  of  Carthage, 
in  the  reign  of  Gallus,  the  pagans  again  deserted 
their  sick  and  dying,  but  the  christians,  under  the 
inspiring  leadership  of  the  eloquent  Cyprian,  went 
forth  among  the  plague-stricken  ones  as  angels  of 
mercy.  The  christians  of  Milan  sold  their  silver- 
ware to  redeem  their  brethren  taken  captives  in 
war.  Paul  carried  alms  long  before,  from  the  city 
of  Antioch  to.  feed  his  famine-stricken  brethren  in 
Judea.  Christianity  has  dotted  London  and  many 
other  cities  with  organized  institutions  of  charity. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  149 

Charity  born  of  the  gospel  sent  John  Howard  as  a 
light  of  comfort  into  the  darkness  of  European  pris- 
ons. It  has  carried  gladness  to  the  orphan  world — 
joy  to  the  broken  hearted  widow  clad  in  weeds  of 
mourning — built  little  paradises  where  the  mentally 
wrecked  ones  could  glean  as  much  comfort  as  their 
sad  condition  would  allow.  It  has  taught  those  un- 
fortunate children  born  into  the  state  of  compel- 
led silence,  deafness,  and  rayless  darkness,  to  hnd 
through  the  tips  of  their  fingers  Him  who  is  the 
light  of  the  world.  And  thus  it  has  planted  into 
their  sorrowful  hearts  the  seeds  of  the  gospel,  which 
shall  bloom  on  the  morning  of  the  resurrection  into 
the  perfect  flower  of  redeemed  humanity.  Then, 
they  who  traveled  all  the  road  of  an  earthly  pil- 
grimage without  seeing  the  face  of  the  mother  who 
rocked  them,  or  the  light  of  the  sun  that  warmed 
them,  will  come  up  from  the  darkness  of  the  grave 
to  see  all  that  is  beautiful  and  magnificent  in  the 
celestial  world,  and  hear  all  that  is  sweet,  soothing, 
and  soul-transporting  in  the  music  of  heaven,  and 
the  first  syllables  that  shall  roll  off  from  their  earth- 
dumbed  tongues  will  be:  "Hallelujah,  the  Lord, 
God  omnipotent  reigneth."  But  what  has  all  this 
to  do  with  the  piety  of  this  city  % 

Much  every  way.  For  it  is  the  insane  ones,  the 
blind,  deaf  and  dumb  children  of  the  State  at  large, 
who  are  committed  to  your  care.  And  their  physi- 
cal, mental  and  spiritual  welfare  is  bound  up  in  the 
warmth  and  tenderness  of  your  christian  hearts.  It 
is  your  piety  that  carries  to  them  the  joy  of  that 
prophecy,  which  says  :     "  In  that  day  shall  the  deaf 


150  The  Centennial  of 

hear  the  words  of  the  hook  and  the  eyes  of  the  blind 
shall  see  out  of  obscurity." 

Fourthly  :  Cities  are  the  headquarters  of  the  press. 
While  many  newspapers  are  published  in  the  towns, 
yet  the  leading  quarterlies,  monthlies,  weeklies, 
dailies,  both  of  the  religious  and  secular  press,  are 
published  in  the  cities.  Now  the  press  is  proverb- 
ial for  its  wide  extended  power.  Like  the  sun,  cir- 
cling from  east  to  west,  it  carries  in  its  course  the 
light  of  information  for  the  head,  and  warmth  of 
feeling  for  the  heart,  of  the  people.  It  is  a  tongue 
that  speaks  across  the  continent.  And  what  ^Esop 
said  of  the  human  tongue  may  be  said  of  the  press, 
that  when  it  is  good,  it  is  the  best  thing  in  the  world, 
and  when  it  is  bad,  it  is  the  worst  thing  in  the  world. 
Archimedes  said,  if  he  had  a  lever  long  enough  and 
a  fulcrum  to  rest  it  upon,  he  could  move  the  world. 
Now  the  press  is  an  Archimedean  lever,  and  if  we 
could  get  it  to  rest  on  the  fulcrum  of  christian  truth. 
it  would  turn  the  world  from  the  darkness  and  bar- 
renness of  sin  and  ignorance  to  the  sun  of  right- 
eousness that  would  cause  it  to  rejoice  and  blossom 
as  a  rose.  The  religious  press  is  heaving  the  world 
in  this  hopeful  direction.  Who  can  tell  the  amount 
of  good  being  diffused  over  the  world  by  the  said 
press?  Who  can  tell  how  much  good  is  done  by 
our  church  organ?  There  is  a  gulf  stream  that 
rolls  near  our  coast  across  the  Atlantic.  It  flows 
with  a  depth  and  width,  and  a  volume  of  water  a  ! 
thousand  times  grander  than  the  Amazon  or  Mis- 
sissippi  river.  It  carries  the  heat  of  summer  from 
the  tropical  world  and  diffuses  it  over  Western  Eu- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  151 

rope.  It  changes  the  temperature  of  that  whole 
country  from  freezing  winter  to  genial  spring,  so  as 
to  make  it  a  delightful  climate.  The  influence  of 
this  stream  makes  Spain  beautiful  with  the  groves 
of  the  olive — France  fragrant  with  fruitful  vine- 
yards— and  the  fields  of  England  golden  with  ripen- 
ed grain.  It  is  the  sun  shining  vertically,  warmly, 
constantly  on  the  tropical  sea,  which  raises  its  tem- 
perature and  puts  in  motion  this  great  ocean-stream. 
So  the  organ  of  our  Conference  sends  out  a  stream 
of  wholesome,  christian  knowledge,  which  makes 
some  parts  of  our  work  blossom  with  Sunday  schools, 
kindles  the  fire  of  revivals  at  other  places,  and  stimu- 
lates the  tree  of  liberality  to  yield  more  bountifully 
in  supporting  the  ministry. 

This  train  of  thought  leads  me  to  notice  some 
reasons  why  the  Methodists  of  North  Carolina  should 
build 

A  Metropolitan  Church 

in  the  city  of  Raleigh.     The  reasons  are : 

First :  Our  church  edifice  here  ought  to  be  equal 
to  those  of  other  denominations.  The  present  one 
is  not,  either  in  size  or  beauty  of  architecture.  A 
comparison  drawn  by  strangers  between  our  church 
and  others  always  leads  to  a  false  estimate  of  our 
relative  strength  in  the  State.  The  thousands  of 
strangers  visiting  this  city  and  looking  at  the 
churches,  say :  "  "Well,  judging  from  the  appear- 
ance of  things  here,  we  conclude  that  the  Methodists 
in  North  Carolina  stand  at  the  foot  of  the  denom- 
inational class  in  the  school  of  Christ."     "They 


152  The  Centennial  of 

seem  to  be  about  fourth  rate  in  strength."  That  is 
the  impression  people  carry  off  after  looking  at  your 
city  churches.  When  the  fact  in  the  case  is  this; 
the  Methodists  are  in  th  e  front  rank  in  all  of  the 
elements  of  church  prosperity.  The  latest  returns 
of  the  census  show  that  the  Methodists  have  eleven 
hundred  and  ninety-eight  organized  churches  in  the 
State — two  hundred  and  eight  more  than  the  Bap- 
tist, nine  hundred  and  eighty-nine  more  than  the 
Presbyterians  and  eleven  hundred  more  than  the 
Episcopal  Church.  Our  churches  are  distributed 
over  the  entire  territory  of  the  State,  being  in  every 
county.  We  have  five  colleges,  male  and  female, 
being  two  more  than  any  denomination  in  the  State. 
Many  of  our  laymen  are  in  the  legislative  halls  of 
the  State.  Our  people  stand  upon  a  level  with 
members  of  other  churches  in  point  of  general  in- 
telligence, culture,  and  pecuniary  resources.  We 
do  not  parade  these  figures  in  any  spirit  of  boast- 
ing, but  simply  to  show  the  ground  of  our  plea  for 
help  in  building  the  said  church.  The  very  fitness 
of  things  requires  us  to  act  in  this  matter.  Self- 
respect  should  prompt  us  in  it  as  well  as  respect  for 
public  opinion. 

Secondly :  Our  position  in  the  capital  of  the 
State  demands  a  better  church.  It  is  a  representa- 
tive position.  And  a  representative  edifice  should 
occupy  such  a  position.  If  a  man  proposes  to  be 
a  king,  why  let  him  live  in  the  palace  of  a  king  and 
wear  royal  clothes.  Sensible  men  build  fine  houses 
on  fine  streets  in  cities.  The  idea  of  putting  up  a 
shanty -house  on  a  beautiful  lot  on  Broadway ,  in  New 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  153 

York,  is  simply  ridiculous.  The  laws  of  harmony 
and  propriety  demand  that  conspicuous  places 
should  be  occupied  by  conspicuous  things.  Jeru- 
salem was  an  illustrious  city.  It  was  built  on  a 
site  beautiful  for  situation.  The  city  itself  was 
equally  beautiful.  And  this  beautiful  city,  beauti- 
fully located,  made  it  "  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth." 
And  the  glory  of  heaven  was  set  attractively  before 
the  Jewish  mind  by  calling  it  "the  new  Jerusalem." 
And  in  that  city  there  was  nothing  that  so  com- 
pletely won  the  admiration  and  charmed  the  heart 
of  the  people  as  the  magnificence  of  the  temple. 
The  forest,  the  mine,  the  quarry,  contributed  their 
richest  treasures  to  make  it  surpassingly  splendid. 
All  that  art  could  do  to  make  it  grand  was  done 
And  a  temple  less  costly  and  elegant  would  not 
have  been  suitable  to  the  place.  It  was  necessary 
that  the  temple  should  blaze  in  the  glory  of  silver 
and  gold,  and  the  elaborateness  of  workmanship, 
to  answer  all  the  purposes  of  its  erection  in  that 
metropolitan  city  of  the  nation.  That  temple,  in 
the  language  of  material  beauty,  expressed  the  re* 
verence  of  the  Jew  for  the  glory  of  God.  I  believe 
that  God  delights  in  seeing  his  temples  made  beau- 
tiful. Talk  about  fine  churches  being  offensive  to 
God  ;  no,  it  is  the  ugliness  of  the  old  sway-backed, 
dilapidated,  barn-like  churches  that  is  offensive  to 
God.  The  divine  mind  is  full  of  beauty.  It  blos- 
somed out  in  creating  the  flowers,  in  making  shin- 
ning diamonds,  in  the  glossy  plumage  of  birds,  in 
curtaining  the  windows  of  the  morning  and  even- 
ing with  golden  splendor,  in  hanging  the  radient 
20 


154  The  Centennial  of 

scarf  of  the  rainbow  on  the  dark  shoulders  of  the 
retiring  storm,  and  in  decking  the  dome  of  ether 
with  sparkling  gems.  These  are  but  the  fringe  of 
His  outer  garment,  while  the  churches  are  the  inner 
sanctuaries  where  the  shekinah  of  His  honor  dwell- 
eth.  The  church  of  Christ,  composed  of  loving 
hearts,  is  represented  as  a  bride  clothed  in  beautiful1 
raiment.  And  such  a  queenly  personage  ought  to 
worship  in  beautiful  temples.  The  Roman  Catholic 
Church  is  wise  in  many  respects — especially  in 
building  imposing  church  structures  in  conspicuous 
places.  Rome  is  the  head-centre  of  the  Catholic 
world.  And  there  they  have  erected  that  wonder 
of  modern  architecture — St.  Peter's  Cathedral. 
They  lavished  millions  of  gold  upon  it — one  man 
giving  a  hundred  thousand  dollars  annually  towards 
its  completion.  Two-and-half  centuries  rolled  away 
while  it  was  in  the  process  of  building.  All  that 
brilliant  genius  of  such  architects  as  Raphael  and 
Angel  o  could  invent  to  make  it  grand  and  resplend- 
ent was  bestowed  on  its  ornamentation.  Its  magni- 
ficent dome,  sparkling  in  the  pure  light  of  an  Italian 
sun,  towers  four  hundred  feet  in  the  air.  It  is  capa- 
ble of  seating  fifty-four  thousand  persons  within 
its  walls — equal  in  its  seating  capacity  to  over  one 
hundred  of  our  ordinary  churches.  All  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Raleigh,  of  Wilmington,  Greensboro',  Salis- 
bury and  Charlotte  could  be  marched  in  it  at  one 
time  and  seated,  and  then  it  would  not  be  crowded. 
The  fame  of  its  greatness  is  world-wide.  It  is  the 
monumental  pride  of  that  church  and  the  most 
lordly  church  edifice  in  the  world.     It  has  done 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  155 

more  to  make  the  Catholic  Church  glorious  in  the 
ejes  of  the  popular  masses  than  all  the  mitred  popes 
and  learned  cardinals  who  worship  at  its  golden 
altar.  I  know,  it  is  said,  sneeringly :  "After  all, 
your  fine  churches  are  nothing  but  cold  marble,  and 
brick  and  mortar."  Neither  is  the  telescope  any 
thing  but  wood,  brass  and  glass,  and  yet  to  the  eye 
of  the  astronomer,  it  reveals  glorious  worlds  unseen 
before — worlds  so  beautiful  and  grand  as  to  declare 
the  glory  of  God  and  show  forth  His  handiwork. 
Metropolitan  churches  reveal  the  zeal  of  a  denom- 
ination for  the  glory  of  God — their  reverence  for 
His  name  and  their  liberality  for  His  cause. 

Does  some  one  whisper  to  himself,  "  Religion  is 
religion  whether  it  be  in  a  hovel  or  a  palace.'*  Yes, 
it  is  the  same  in  essence,  but  not  the  same  in  results. 
Fire  is  the  same  everywhere.  It  is  useful  in  an 
humble  cabin.  But  a  column  of  fire  blazing  on  the 
lofty  summit  of  a  light-house  will  be  a  thousand 
times  grander  and  more  useful  in  illuminating  the 
country  around  and  guiding  the  shipwrecked  sailor, 
struggling  in  the  storm,  to  the  harbor.  We  are 
commanded  to  let  our  light  sliine — and  so  shine 
that  others  seeing  our  good  works  may  glorify  our 
Heavenly  Father.  Our  denominational  light  must 
shine  in  the  city — shine  in  the  beauty  of  a  capacious 
church  edifice  as  well  as  in  the  holy  lives  of  our 
people. 

Finally,  we  appeal  to  all  the  Methodists  of  the 
State  to  help  in  this  great  enterprise.  In  addition 
to  the  reasons  already  mentioned,  there  is  the  or- 
ganic unity  of  our  Methodism,  which  should  prompt 


156  The  Centennial  of 

our  whole  people  to  contribute  something.  There 
is  a  general  and  local  interest  in  our  denomination. 
The  general  cause  is  the  body,  the  individual 
churches  are  members  of  that  body  ;  therefore,  their 
interest  is  identical,  and  their  prosperity  is  mutual. 
So  that  if  Methodism  blossoms  in  the  city,  its  fra- 
grance is  wafted  to  the  country.  If  its  sun  of  pros- 
perity arise  in  the  East  the  light  of  its  glory  gilds 
the  mountain  tops  of  the  West,  and  the  shout  of  its 
triumph  in  the  West  rolls  back  inspiring  thunder 
to  the  toiling  sons  of  the  East.  The  true  policy 
then,  of  making  any  system  great  and  influential,  is 
to  make  the  component  parts  effective. 

How  is  an  army  made  invincible  except  by  mak- 
ing its  regiments  efficient?  It  is  the  excellency 
of  individuals  combined  that  constitutes  the  true 
glory  of  a  nation.  It  is  not  one,  two,  or  a  few  stars 
scattered  over  the  skies,  hut  the  vast  number  of 
them  shining  in  blended  splendor,  that  makes  the 
nocturnal  firmament  sparkle  in  celestial  beauty. 
And  so  the  quickening  and  illuminating  light  shed 
down  from  our  denominational  firmament  upon  the 
world  will  be  in  proportion  to  the  number  and 
brightness  of  the  single  churches.  Are  we  not 
bound  then  to  help  our  brethren  in  building 
churches  in  every  locality  chosen  for  the  purposes? 
But  the  obligation  grows  in  strength  where  the  said 
church  is  to  act  the  grander  part  of  a  central  sun, 
which  not  only  illuminates  its  own  immediate 
sphere,  but  is  in  a  position  to  throw  the  beauty  and 
fruitfulness  of  summer  upon  those  revolving  around 
it.     For  darkness  in  a  central  orb  is  midnight  upon 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  157 

all  of  its  dependent  planets.  The  unity  of  North 
Carolina  made  the  building;  of  her  noble  State  capi- 
tol  a  common  interest  to  all  of  the  people  from  the 
tide  water  to  the  western  boundary. 

AVlien  a  citizen,  from  the  remote  part  of  the  State, 
comes  here  and  gazes  with  admiration  upon  the 
granite  massiveness  of  that  building,  he  can  say, 
"  That  is  our  cccpitol."  I  helped  to  build  it.  So 
the  building  of  a  metropolitan  church  here  is  one 
of  common  interest  to  all  of  our  people  in  the  State. 
And  when  they  come  here  they  can  say,  that  is  out 
church,  we  helped  to  build  it.  Our  public  men  too, 
will  enjoy  the  benefit  of  its  religious  privileges,  and 
feel  that  their  constituents  contributed  towards  its 
erection.  The  famous  temple  of  Diana  was  adorned 
with  a  hundred  and  twenty-eight  marble  columns, 
and  each  one  was  the  gift  from  a  king  in  the  sur- 
rounding nations.  And  after  it  was  burned  down 
by  the  torch  of  a  man  crazy  for  infamous  immortal- 
ity, Alexander  the  Great  offered  to  rebuild  it  on 
the  condition  that  he  should  be  permitted  to  write 
his  name  in  shining  letters  on  its  front.  The  Ephe- 
sians  spurned  the  offer  upon  the  ground,  that  the 
building  of  that  temple  reflected  glory  upon  the 
builders,  and  therefore,  they  all  desired  to  have  a 
hand  in  it.  So  we  think  that  the  Methodists  in  all 
parts  of  the  State  should  have  a  part  in  the  build- 
ing of  the  said  church  ;  for  it  will  reflect  honor  upon 
them  as  well  as  promote  our  common  cause  in  the 
Capital.  I  always  admired  the  large  heartedness  of 
the  little  boy,  who  having  given  ten  cents  towards 
the  building  of  a  missionary  ship,  went  to  see  it 


158  The  Centennial  of 

launched.  While  on  the  way  some  one  asked  him 
where  he  was  going.  He  said  :  "  I  am  going  to  see 
our  ship  launched."  "  Our  ship,1'  said  the  man  % 
"  Yes,"  said  the  boy.  "  Our  ship,  for  I  gave  ten 
cents  to  help  build  it."  Now  the  ten  cents  was  no- 
thing in  itself,  but  it  served  as  the  means  to  draw 
out  of  his  young  heart  the  vine  of  benevolence  and 
attach  it  to  the  ship,  and  the  ship  carried  it  to  the 
heathen  world  where  it  blossomed  in  prayful  sym- 
pathy and  bore  the  fruit  of  noble  contributions  in 
after  years.  So  let  all  of  our  people,  both  parents 
and  children,  contribute  their  mite  towards  this 
noble  work.  For  we  are  always  most  interested  in 
things  after  we  have  aided  in  building  them  up.  It 
is  after  the  sun  lifts  the  clouds  from  the  rivers  and 
lakos  into  mid-heaven,  that  he  shines  upon  them 
and  makes  them  beautiful  by  his  silver  glances  and 
golden  smiles.  So  it  is  after  we  have  helped  to  es- 
tablish a  great  enterprise  that  we  follow  it  with 
our  prayers  and  rejoice  in  its  prosperity. 

At  the  close  of  Mr.  Hudson's  address,  Dr.  Burk- 
head  read  interesting  letters  from  Rev.  James  Mc- 
Aden,  of  Virginia,  and  Rev.  W.  S.  Moore,  D.  D., 
of  Paducah,  Kentucky. 

Rev.  J.  R.  Brooks,  of  Goldsboro',  N.  C,  made  a 
few  remarks  in  favor  of  the  proposition  to  build  a 
Metropolitan  Methodist  Church  in  Raleigh,  and 
stated  that  the  Methodists  of  Goldsboro'  would  as- 
sist in  the  enterprise. 

The  choir  sung  the  Short  Meter  Doxolgy,  after 
which  the  benediction  was  pronounced  by  Rev.  H. 
T.  Hudson. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  159 

evening  session. 

March  23,  1876. 

The  Centennial  exercises  were  resumed  in  Metro- 
politan Hall,  at  7|  o'clock  P.  M.,  Bishop  E.  M. 
Marvin,  D.  D.,  in  the  chair.  Religious  exercises 
were  conducted  by  Rev.  Ira  T.  "Wyclie,  of  Lumber- 
ton,  North  Carolina. 

Bishop  Marvin  then  announced  the  subject  for 
the  evening  to  be  "  The  Educational  Interests  of 
Methodism  in  North  Carolina  as  connected  with 
the  Colleges  of  the  North  Carolina  Conference"  and 
then  introduced  Rev.  T.  M.  Jones,  D.  D.,  President 
of  Greensboro  Female  College,  who  addressed  the 
audience,  giving  a 

-"HISTORICAL    SKETCH     OF   GREENSBORO     FEMALE     COL- 
LEGE." 

Mr.  Jones  said : 

Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemjen : 

In  view  of  my  long  connection  with  the  Greens- 
boro Female  College,  the  committee  of  arrange- 
ments for  this  occasion,  invited  me  to  prepare  a  his- 
tory of  the  college,  and  to  give  a  statement  of  its 
present  condition  and  prospects. 

In  attempting  the  performance  of  this  task,  I  find 
myself  in  the  condition  of  a  mechanic,  who  is  re- 
quired to  erect  a  building  without  adequate  mate- 
rials. The  sketch  I  propose  to  give  is  necessarily  im- 
perfect and  unsatisfactory,  for  want  of  important 
facts  connected  with  the  history  of  the  institution. 


160  The  Centennial  of 

I  have  not  had  access  to  the  record  of  a  single 
meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees,  from  the  ineipi- 
encyof  the  enterprise  to  the  seventeenth  year  of  its 
existence,  the  books  containing  these  records  having 
been  burned  in  the  fire  of  1863,  or  misplaced  since 
that  time.  All  the  information  in  my  possession 
has  been  obtained  from  a  few  Conference  resolutions, 
the  record  of  the  faculty  and  personal  recollections. 

Fur  several  years  before  any  direct  efforts  were 
made  to  establish  a  female  college  of  high  grade  by 
the  Methodists  in  the  State,  the  necessity  of  such 
an  institution  was  felt  by  prominent  ministers  and 
intelligent  laymen  of  the  church.  It  was  the  sub- 
ject of  frequent  conversation  in  social  circles,  and 
of  earnest  discussion  in  annual  conferences. 

In  the  year  of  1837,  the  Trustees  of  Greensboro 
Female  School  sent  a  petition  on  this  subject  to  the 
Virginia  Conference,  which  met  in  Petersburg,  Va., 
January  31.  At  this  time  the  North  Carolina  Con- 
ference begon  its  separate  existence.  That  petition 
was  referred  to  a  committee  consisting  of  Rev. 
Moses  Brock,  Rev.  Peter  Doub,  and  Rev.  Samuel 
S.  Bryant. 

After  setting  forth  the  necessity  of  a  female 
school  of  high  grade  for  the  education  of  women, 
under  the  auspices  of  the  North  Carolina  Annual 
Conference,  the  committee  reported  the  following 
resolutions,  which  were  adopted  : 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Conference  will  co-operate  with  the 
Trustees  of  Greensboro  Female  School,  provided  that  one- 
half  the  number  of  the  board  of  trustees  shall,  at  all  times, 
be  members  of  the  North  Caroli.ia  Conference. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  101 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  board  thus  constituted,  shall  peti- 
tion the  Legislature  of  North  Carolina  for  a  proper  charter 
for  a  seminary  of  learning,  to  be  called  the  Greensboro  Fe- 
male College. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  Conference  appoint  Moses  Brock, 
Hezekiah  Q.  Leigh,  William  Compton,  Peter  Doub,  John 
Hank,  James  Reid,  Bennett  T.  Blake,  William  E.  Pell,  and 
Samuel  S.  Bryant,  trustees,  to  carry  into  effect  the  object 
contemplated  by  the  previous  resolutions. 

Resolved,  4.  That  the  Bishop  be  requested  to  appoint  an 
agent  for  the  purpose  of  raising  funds  for  this  object. 

Moses  Brock,  Chairman. 

In  accordance  with  the  foregoing  resolutions,  the 
ten  ministers  named  in  the  third  resolution,  and  ten 
laymen,  constituting  the  board  of  trustees,  secured 
from  the  Legislature  a  charter  granting  the  rights 
and  privileges  usually  bestowed  upon  colleges  of 
high  grade.  This  charter  was  ratified  on  the  28th 
of  December,  1838. 

More  than  a  year  before  the  charter  was  obtained, 
two  hundred  and  ten  acres  of  land,  lying  west  of 
the  town  of  Greensboro,  had  been  purchased,  at  a 
cost  of  thirty-three  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  Forty 
acres  of  this  land  were  reserved  for  the  college 
building  and  grounds,  and  the  remainder  was  di- 
vided into  building  lots  and  sold  for  an  amount 
nearly  sufficient  to  pay  for  the  entire  purchase. 

In  the  important  undertaking  to  which  they  had 
committed  themselves,  the  trustees  had  to  contend 
with  that  great  difficulty,  which  has  operated 
against  the  success  of  so  many  benevolent,  noble, 
and  grand  enterprises — the  want  of  funds. 

Rev.  Samuel  S.  Bryant  was  the  first  agent  ap- 
21 


162  The  Centennial  of 

pointed  by  the  Conference.  Rev.  Moses  Brock,  Rev. 
Ira  T.  Wyche  and  Rev.  James  Reicl,  were  also 
agents  for  the  college  at  different  times.  Rev.  Peter 
Doub,  D.  D.,  was,  from  the  first,  an  active,  earnest 
worker,  and  by  his  personal  influence  did  much  for 
the  promotion  of  the  enterprise.  The  largest  do- 
nation ever  made  to  the  college  was  a  bequest  of 
four  tho.usand  dollars,  by  Mrs.  Susan  Mendenhall, 
an  intelligent,  christian  woman  of  Guilford  county. 

Notwithstanding  the  reports  from  the  agents  from 
time  to  time  were  not  very  encouraging,  the  trus- 
tees, with  strong  confidence  in  final  success,  and 
with  a  determination  truly  heroic,  continued  to  per- 
severe. They  were  under  the  necessity  of  borrow- 
ing funds,  which  they  did  upon  their  own  indivi- 
dual responsibility. 

In  September,  1843,  the  corner-stone  of  the  col- 
lege building  was  laid,  and  an  appropriate  address 
delivered  on  the  occasion  by  Rev.  Samuel  S.  Bryant. 
In  the  summer  of  1845,  the  building,  made  of  brick, 
three  stories  high,  containing  thirty-six  rooms,  and 
costing  about  twenty  thousand  dollars,  was  com- 
pleted. 

At  a  later  date,  for  the  purpose  of  partially  con- 
solidating the  indebtedness  already  incurred,  the 
trustees  borrowed  seven  thousand  dollars  from  the 
literary  fund  of  the  State,  for  the  payment  of  which 
a  number  of  them  gave  their  personal  obligation. 

On  the  first  of  February,  1816,  the  trustees  se-. 
lected  a  faculty,  with  Rev.  Solomon  Lea,  a  local 
minister  of  Leasburg,  North  Carolina,  as  President 
— a  gentleman  of  liberal  culture  and  pleasing  man- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  163 

ners,  and  a  teacher  by  profession.  He  had  the  honor 
of  organizing  the  classes  in  the  first  regularly  char- 
tered female  college  in  North  Carolina,  and  the 
second,  south  of  the  Potomac — the  Wesleyan  Fe- 
male College,  at  Macon,  Georgia,  being  the  first. 

The  curriculum  was  sufficiently  extensive  for  an 
institution  of  high  grade  for  the  education  of  wo- 
men.  The  college  soon  began  to  attract  public  at- 
tention, and  to  grow  in  popular  favor,  the  number 
of  pupils  increasing  every  session.  There  were  no 
graduates  during  the  first  two  years  of  its  history. 

At  the  expiration  of  this  period,  in  December, 
1847,  Rev.  Mr.  Lea  resigned  the  presidency,  and 
Eev.  Albert  M.  Shipp,  D.  D.,  of  the  South  Carolina 
Conference,  now  professor  in  the  Biblical  depart- 
ment of  the  Vanderbilt  University,  at  Nashville, 
Tennessee,  was  elected  his  successor,  and  entered  at 
once  upon  his  duties.  He  possessed  qualities  of 
mind  and  heart  that  rendered  him  peculiarly  well 
adapted  to  the  position. 

During  the  first  year  after  the  Rev.  Dr.  Shipp 
took  charge  of  the  college,  there  was  a  considerable 
increase  in  the  number  of  pupils.  The  friends  of 
the  enterprise  were  greatly  encouraged.  Their 
hopes  of  success  constantly  grew  brighter.  Some, 
who  had  had  but  little  faith  in  the  success  of  the 
undertaking,  were  inspired  with  confidence.  Some, 
who  had  prophesied  failure,  became  silent,  and  the 
eyes  of  many  of  our  people  were  turned  to  Greens- 
boro Female  College,  as  a  suitable  place  for  the 
education  of  their  daughters. 

During  the  administration  of  President   Shipp, 


lf>4  The  Centennial  of 

which  lasted  two-and-a-half  years,  there  were  twen- 
ty-six regular  graduates.  In  June,  1850,  he  handed 
in  his  resignation,  to  take  effect  from  date. 

Rev.  Chas.  F.  Deems,  D.D.,  of  the  North  Carolina 
Conference,  who,  at  that  time,  was  Professor  in  the 
University  of  North  Carolina,  now  in  charge  of  the 
Church  of  the  Strangers  in  New  York,  was  elected 
his  successor.  The  acceptance  of  Rev.  Dr.  Deems 
inspired  general  confidence,  and  gave  great  satis- 
faction. He  had  traveled  over  a  large  portion  of 
the  State  as  Bible  agent,  and  was  well  and  favora- 
bly knowm  as  a  man  of  talent,  learning  and  piety. 
His  superior  natural  endowments,  his  varied  attain- 
ments in  learning,  his  agreeable  and  attractive  man- 
ners, and  his  liberal  views  of  education,  qualified 
him,  in  an  eminent  degree,  for  the  presidency  of  a 
female  college. 

At  the  close  of  his  first  scholastic  year,  the  num- 
ber of  matriculates  had  increased  to  one  hundred 
and  thirty-seven.  The  next  year  the  number  was 
the  same.  The  dormitories  were  all  filled.  The 
necessity  for  more  room,  and  room  better  adapted 
to  school  purposes,  was  urgent.  The  President  felt 
this  necessity,  and  urged  the  trustees  to  take  some 
steps  to  enlarge  the  building. 

In  this  state  of  thing*,  they  were  embarrassed.  A 
heavy  debt  had  been  hanging  over  them  from  the 
first.  They  did  not  consider  it  wise  or  safe  to  in- 
crease the  burden,  which  had  already  prevented 
them  from  making  such  liberal  arrangements  for 
the  good  of  the  school,  as  the}7  very  much  desired  to 
make.    Up  to  this  time,  they  had  restricted  expendi- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  165 

tures  to  furnishing  only  necessary  facilities  for  in- 
struction, not  feeling  able  to  make  appropriations 
for  aesthetic  effect,  or  enlargement  of  the  operations 
of  the  school.  In  this  emergency,  in  the  year  1852, 
a  plan  was  proposed  by  the  President  for  raising 
funds  for  building  purposes,  known  as  the  twenty 
thousand  dollar  proposition.  The  following  is  an 
outline  of  the  plan  :  The  trustees  proposed,  that  if 
the  North  Carolina  Conference  would  raise  twenty 
thousand  dollars,  and  place  the  same  at  their  dis- 
posal, they,  the  trustees,  would  agree  to  educate,  free 
of  charge  for  board  and  tuition,  the  daughters  of  all 
the  ministers  who,  at  that  date,  were  members  of  the 
Conference,  and  afterwards,  ten  annually,  in  perpe- 
tuity. This  proposition  was  accepted  by  the  Con- 
ference. The  President  of  the  college  visited  various 
localities  and  collected  a  considerable  amount  in 
cash  and  bonds.  The  proposition  was  very  popular. 
Rev.  Win.  Closs,  D.  D.,  while  engaged  in  the  active 
work  of  a  presiding  elder,  raised  several  thousand 
dollars  for  the  same  purpose.  This  plan  was  sub- 
sequently so  modified  that  the  trustees  agreed  to 
receive  good  bonds  in  the  place  of  cash.  It  was  also 
stipulated  that  when  bonds  of  a  specified  amount 
should  be  reported,  a  certain  number  of  daughters 
of  ministers  should  be  received  into  the  college, 
under  the  provisions  of  the  plan. 

Before  this  plan  was  completed  Rev.  Dr.  Deems 
dissolved  his  connection  with  the  institution.  This 
occurred  in  December,  1854.  During  his  adminis- 
tration, which  continued  through  four-and-a-half 
years,  there  were  forty-six  graduates. 


166  The  Centennial  of 

The  reputation  of  the  institution  for  thorough 
scholarship  and  genuine  moral  and  religious  cul- 
ture was  fully  established. 

Rev.  Charles  F.  Deems  was  succeeded  by  T.  M. 
Jones,  of  Franklin  county,  North  Carolina,  who 
had  been,  for  one  year,  professor  of  ancient  lan- 
guages and  mathematics  in  the  college.  He  had 
many  misgivings  on  entering  upon  the  difficult  and 
responsible  duties  of  a  position  which  had  been  oc- 
cupied by  men  of  such  eminent  abilities  as  those 
who  had  preceded  him.  Next  to  the  judicious  man- 
agement of  the  internal  operations  of  the  school, 
involving  the  government  and  instruction  of  those 
committed  to  his  care,  there  were  two  objects,  in 
his  estimation,  intimately  connected  with  the  suc- 
cess and  prosperity  of  the  college,  which  he  deter- 
mined, if  possible,  to  accomplish.  One  was  the 
liquidation  of  indebtedness,  and  the  other,  the  en- 
largement of  the  building. 

At  the  close  of  the  first  session  of  the  new  admin- 
istration, in  May,  1855,  the  financial  report  made 
to  the  trustees  showed  that  their  liabilities,  above 
available  assets,  were  ten  thousand  dollars.  This 
sum,  it  was  evident,  was  to  be  paid  from  the  net 
income  of  the  regular  operations  of  the  school,  as 
the  sum  of  twenty  thousand  dollars,  which  the  Con- 
ference proposed  to  raise,  was  to  be  used  for  enlarg- 
ing the  buildings  and  increasing  the  facilities  for 
instruction.  During  the  next  scholastic  year  the 
number  of  pupils  increased  to  such  an  extent  as  to 
render  it  necessary  either  to  enlarge  the  buildings 
or  limit  the  patronage  of  the  school  to  a  specified 
number. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  167 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  trustees  in  May, 
1856,  the  consideration  of  this  subject  was  again 
urged  upon  their  attention.  After  mature  deliber- 
ation, they  resolved  to  erect  a  wing  on  the  west  end 
of  the  building.  In  twelve  months  this  wing  was 
ready  for  occupancy.  During  the  first  year  after 
tins  enlargement  of  the  building,  the  dormitories 
were  all  occupied,  and  there  was  still  demand  for 
more  room.  In  the  mean  time,  by  semi-annual 
payments,  the  treasurer  was  gradually  diminish- 
ing the  indebtedness  of  the  college.  The  school 
was  very  prosperous  during  the  two  following 
years. 

In  May,  1859,  the  trusteess  decided  to  erect  a 
wing  on  the  east  end  of  the  old  building,  corre- 
sponding with  the  one  on  the  west  end.  Before  this 
was  finished  the  patronage  of  the  school  was  so 
large  that  a  considerable  number  of  pupils  were 
allowed  to  board,  for  a  time,  in  private  families. 

In  May,  1860,  the  trustees  having  received  from 
the  North  Carolina  Conference  the  requisite  amount 
of  bonds  for  building  purposes,  declared  the  twenty 
thousand  dollar  proposition  completed,  and  the  doors 
of  the  college  were  thrown  open  to  the  daughters  of 
the  ministers  of  the  Conference,  free  of  charge,  under 
the  restrictions  above  specified.  Nearly  all  of  these 
bonds  were  obtained  by  the  earnest,  energetic  labors 
of  Rev.  Dr.  Closs  and  Rev.  William  Barringer,  who, 
at  different  times,  had  been  agents  for  the  Confer- 
ence. Of  these  bonds,  which  were  placed  in  the 
hands  of  the  President,  he  succeeded  in  collecting 
eleven  thousand  and  three  hundred  dollars.  In  view 


168  The  Centennial  of 

of  this  amount  of  funds  furnished,  thirty-one  daugh- 
ters of  ministers  of  the  Conference  received  instruc- 
tion in  the  institution  for  different  lengths  of  time, 
six  of  whom  graduated.  The  benefits  thus  confer- 
red in  a  few  years,  at  the  usual  rates  of  board  and 
tuition,  were  equal  to  fourteen  thousand  dollars. 

In  1861,  the  east  wing,  though  not  entirely  com- 
pleted for  want  of  certain  materials,  was  in  a  con- 
dition to  be  used.  At  this  time  the  building  had 
capacity  for  the  accommodation  of  one  hundred 
and  seventy-five  boarding  pupils.  From  1860  to 
1863,  over  two  hundred  pupils  were  annually  ma- 
triculated. The  net  income  from  the  operations  of 
the  school  was  very  satisfactory.  The  financial  re- 
port submitted  to  the  trustees  in  May,  1863, 
showed  that  there  were  assets  in  hand,  consisting 
of  bonds  and  accounts  considered  good,  sufficient 
to  discharge  all  their  liabilities.  This  was  a  grati- 
fying  statement.  The  Greensboro  Female  College 
was,  at  this  time,  considered  a  success  financially, 
as  it  had  been  for  years  regarded  as  a  success  in  af- 
fording superior  facilities  for  the  education  of 
woman. 

At  the  opening  of  the  fall  session  of  1863,  on  the 
thirtieth  of  July,  every  room  in  the  building  was 
engaged,  many  applications  for  rooms  by  letter,  had 
been  declined,  and  quite  a  number,  who  applied  in 
person  for  admission,  were  under  the  necessity  of  re- 
turning home.  A  large  faculty  had  been  secured. 
The  school  had  been  organized,  and  the  work  of  the 
session  had  begun.  Apart  from  the  uncertainties 
hanging  over  the  future,  in  consequence  of  the  fact 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  169 

that  the  storm  of  war  was  raging  around  us  in  the 
distance,  the  outlook  was  very  encouraging.  But 
an  unexpected  casualty  occurred.  A  sad  misfor- 
tune befel  the  institution  in  the  height  of  its  pros- 
perity. On  Saturday  night,  the  ninth  of  August, 
1863,  about  twelve  o'clock,  the  cry  of  fire  was 
heard.  All  efforts  to  arrest  the  progress  of  the  de- 
vouring element  proved  ineffectual,  and  before  the 
Sabbath  sun  arose,  the  Greensboro  Female  College, 
an  institution  for  whose  establishment  so  many 
anxious  hearts  had  been  concerned  ;  for  whose  suc- 
cess so  much  faithful  labor  had  been  performed  ;  for 
which,  and  in  which,  so  many  earnest  prayers  had 
been  offered  up  ;  in  which,  so  many  lessons  of  in- 
struction had  been  imparted ;  in  which,  so  many 
minds  and  hearts  had  been  trained  for  usefulness 
and  happiness  in  life ;  in  which,  the  church,  and 
especially  the  North  Carolina  Conference,  felt  such 
a  deep  interest ;  and  around  which,  clustered  so 
many  precious  memories,  ended,  as  all  earthly 
things  are  destined  to  end,  in  flame  and  smoke. 

During  the  eight  and  a  half  years  previous  to 
the  sad  calamity  referred  to,  just  half  the  period  of 
the  school's  existence,  there  were  one  hundred  and 
eighteen  graduates,  making  the  whole  number,  in- 
cluding those  who  have  graduated  since,  two  hun- 
dred and  seventeen.  The  proportion  of  graduates 
to  the  whole  number  of  pupils  in  attendence,  from 
time  to  time,  was  about  one  to  seven.  For  this 
very  small  proportion,  various  reasons  may  be  as- 
signed, but  the  chief  cause  was  the  high  standard  of 
attainments  requisite  for  graduation.  A  fact  worthy 
22 


170  The  Centennial  of 

of  mention  is,  that  about  one-third  of  all  the  gradu- 
ates, and  many  who  did  not  complete  the  full  course, 
engaged  for  a  time,  and  very  successfully,  in  the 
work  of  teaching,  a  useful,  honorable,  noble  em- 
ployment, the  cradle  of  systematic  thought,  the 
basis  of  success  in  all  intellectual  efforts,  and,  in 
connection  with  religion,  the  great  elevator  of  hu- 
manity. The  fact  that  the  demand  for  them,  in 
this  capacity,  was  always  in  excess  of  the  supply, 
speaks  well  for  their  mental  training  and  moral  ex- 
cellence. 

Another  fact  still  more  interesting  and  gratifying 
to  the  christian  heart  is,  that  a  large  majority,  not 
only  of  the  graduates,  but  also  of  the  twelve  hun- 
dred other  young  ladies  educated  in  the  college, 
left  the  school  consistent  members  of  the  church  of 
Christ,  many  of  whom  made  a  profession  of  reli- 
gion during  their  connection  with  the  institution. 

I  shall  not  attempt,  in  any  studied  rhetorical 
phrase,  to  portray  the  great  benefits  such  an  insti- 
tution confers  upon  a  people,  especially  upon  the 
denomination  by  whose  fostering  care  it  is  main- 
tained. 

It  may  be  truthfully  stated,  in  general  terms,  that 
the  Greensboro  Female  College  has  removed  many 
prejudices  from  the  public  mind  on  the  great  sub- 
ject of  female  education. 

It  has,  by  illustrating  the  importance  of  female 
education,  created  a  deeper  interest  on  that  subject ; 
it  has  demonstrated  the  capacity  of  woman  for- ma- 
king high  attainments  in  intellectual  culture  ;  it 
has   contributed  much  to  elevate  the  standard  of 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  171 

female  acquirements  in  the  schools  of  the  land  ; 
and  it  has  sent  out  from  its  halls  hundreds  of  well 
educated  christian  women,  to  adorn  and  bless  so- 
ciety and  the  church. 

It  would  afford  me  pleasure  to  speak  in  terms  of 
deserved  commendation  of  the  excellent  professors 
and  accomplished  lady  teachers  who  were,  from 
time  to  time,  connected  with  the  college,  but  this 
would  extend  this  sketch  beyond  proper  limits. 

After  the  burning  of  the  college  in  1863,  the 
general  sentiment  of  all  concerned,  was  in  favor  of 
rebuilding  as  soon  as  possible.  This  was  agreed 
upon  by  the  proper  authorities.  The  President  of 
the  college  was  appointed  agent.  He  found  the 
people  generally  in  sympathy  with  the  object  of 
his  agency,  and  his  success  in  raising  funds  was  very 
satisfactory. 

During  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  a  plan  for  the 
new  building  was  drawn  up  and  adopted.  A  con- 
tract was  made  with  two  mechanics,  one  to  super- 
intend the  brick  work  and  the  other  the  wood  work. 
During  the  year  1864,  a  large  quantity  of  lumber 
was  purchased  in  Johnston  county,  and  a  considera- 
ble portion  of  it  was  worked  up  into  door  and  win- 
dow frames,  doors,  sash,  etc.,  and  half  a  million  of 
brick  were  laid.  It  was  their  purpose  to  have  the 
building  inclosed  during  the  next  year,  but  the 
change  in  the  condition  of  the  country,  caused  by 
the  close  of  the  war,  arrested  the  progress  of  the 
work.  Our  money  lost  its  value.  Bonds  and  ac- 
counts became,  for  the  most  part,  worthless.  The 
building  materials  were  taken  by  the  Federal  army, 


172  The  Centennial  of 

and,  of  necessity,  the  enterprise  was  temporarily 
abandoned.     Our  prospect  for  success  was,  at  this 
time,  exceedingly  gloomy.     Nevertheless,  all  hope 
was  not  lost.     At  the  first  annual  Conference  held 
after  the  close  of  the  war,  a  report  was  made,  show- 
ing the  state  of  affairs  in  regard  to  rebuilding  the 
college.    It  was  then  decided  to  make  efforts  to  raise 
money  for  the  completion  of  the  work.     Rev.  Dr. 
Deems  was  appointed  agent.     He  removed  to  New 
York    and.  became  editor  of  a  paper.     The   hope 
was   indulged   by    some,    that  in   that  large   and 
wealthy  city,  the  metropolis  of  the  nation,  to  whose 
prosperity   the    South    had    contributed  so   much, 
sympathy  for   the    unfortunate  would   open  some 
fountain' of  liberality    in  benevolent    hearts,  from 
which,  at  least,  some  small  streams  of  material  aid 
woul  flow.     But  this  hope  was  not  realized.     Still 
there  was  manifested  deep  interest  in  favor  of  the 
enterprize,  by  many   members  of  the    church  and 
friends  of  female  education,  and    especially  by  the 
ministers  of  the  Conference.     A  new  board  of  trus- 
tees   was    appointed.     After  the   consideration   of 
various  plans,  that  had,  from  time  to  time,  been 
proposed  for  raising  money,  it  was  decided  to  make 
an  effort  to  raise  twenty  thousand  dollars,  (half  of 
which  Greensboro  was  pledged  to  furnish)  on  eight 
per  cent,  loans,  stock,  and  the  sale  of  scholarships. 
In  the  mean  time,  an  application  was  made  for  a 
new  charter,  which  was  obtained  in  1869.     Under 
this  charter  the  new  board  of  trustees  was  organized 
in  1870,  (the  old  board  having  been  legally  dis- 
charged).   The  treasurer  reporting  the  twenty  thou- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  173 

sand  dollars  secured  in  bonds  and  cash,  the  trustees 
decided  to  proceed  to  have  the  building  finished  as 
soon  as  possible.  In  1871,  after  a  long,  sad  silence 
of  six  years  had  reigned  on  the  premises,  undisturbed 
by  the  sound  of  trowel  or  hammer,  work  on  the 
building  was  resumed  under  the  superintendence  of 
Rev.  William  Barringer.  Under  his  faithful  super- 
vision the  work  was  vigorously  prosecuted.  Before 
the  close  of  1872  the  building  was  inclosed,  and 
read}7  for  the  plasterer's  hands  in  the  spring  of 
1873.  On  the  10th  of  March,  1873,  the  saddest 
event  in  the  history  of  the  college  occurred,  an  ac- 
cident causing  the  death  of  the  lamented  William 
Barringer.  While  passing  from  a  window  on  the 
third  story,  as  he  stepped  upon  the  gang-way,  his 
foot  slipped,  and  he  fell  through  a  space  of  about 
thirty  feet.  He  survived  the  effect  of  this  fall  only 
a  few  days.  This  melancholy  occurrence  cast  a 
gloom  over  the  whole  community,  and  the  whole 
church  in  the  State.  In  the  death  of  Rev.  Wil- 
liam Barringer,  the  college  lost  one  of  its  warmest 
friends  and  wisest  counsellors,  the  church  an  earn- 
est, faithful,  pious  and  successful  minister  of  the 
gospel,  and  the  community  a  liberal,  useful,  hon- 
ored citizen,  much  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him. 

Dr.  D.  W.  C.  Benbow  was  appointed  to  fill  the 
place  in  the  building  committee,  left  vacant  by  the 
death  of  Rev.  William  Barringer. 

On  the  27th  of  August,  1873,  eleven  years  and 
seventeen  days  after  the  destruction  of  the  old  build- 
ing by  fire,  the  college  was  re-opened  for  the  recep- 
tion of  students,  with  a  faculty  consisting  of  four 
professors  and  five  lady  teachers. 


171  The  Centennial  of 

The  new  building  is  very  large,  commodious,  and 
well  suited  for  school  purposes.  It  is  situated  on 
an  eminence,  a  few  yards  west  of  the  limits  of  the 
city  corporation,  in  an  enclosure  of  forty  acres,  most 
of  which  is  well  shaded  and  capable  of  a  high  de- 
gree of  improvement.  It  consists  of  eighty-four 
rooms,  and  has  capacity  for  the  accommodation  of 
two  hundred  boarding  pupils.  The  dormitories  are 
plainly,  but  neatly  furnished,  well  ventilated  and 
warmed  by  means  of  lire-places.  Since  the  re-open- 
ing of  the  school  in  1873,  notwithstanding  the  great 
financial  pressure  pervading  the  country,  the  pat- 
ronage has  been  encouraging,  the  average  number 
of  pupils  annually  matriculated  having  been  one 
hundred  and  forty-four. 

We  think  the  school  offers  superior  advantages 
for  the  mental  and  moral  training  of  young  ladies. 
The  object  of  the  faculty  is,  so  to  govern  and  in- 
struct those  committed  to  their  care,  as  to  prepare 
them  not  only  for  society,  but  for  the  stern  realities 
of  responsible  existence. 

But  while  we  contemplate  with  pleasure  the  pre- 
sent condition  and  future  prospects  of  the  college, 
there  is  one  difficulty  that  rises  before  us,  and  which 
causes  constant  and  earnest  solicitude,  the  heavy 
debt  hanging  over  the  institution.  The  largest  por- 
tion of  this  debt,  as  many  of  you  know,  is  due  to 
Rev.  Dr.  Wilson  and  Col.  Chas.  Shober,  of  Greens- 
boro. When  all  the  funds  in  the  hands  of  the  build- 
ing committee  had  been  exhausted,  and  the  build- 
ing was  still  far  from  completion,  these  gentlemen, 
prompted  by  noble  impulses,  and  with  a  confidence 


Methodism  est  North  Carolesta.  175 

in  the  Methodist  public  of  North  Carolina,  that  re- 
flects great  credit  upon  the  denomination,  liberally 
furnished  means  with  which  to  carry  on  the  work, 
until  the  building  was  ready  for  occupancy.  Now  I 
ask,  will  not  the  Methodists  and  the  friends  of  female 
education  in  the  State,  honor  this  noble  confidence, 
show  their  appreciation  of  this  large  liberality,  and, 
during  this  centennial  year  of  Methodism  in  North 
Carolina,  and  of  our  national  independence,  relieve 
these  gentlemen  from  the  burden  that  they  so  gen- 
erously assumed,  and  which  they  so  patiently  bear, 
remove  this  incubus  now  resting  upon  the  institu- 
tion, and  thereby  enable  it  to  increase  its  facilities 
for  the  higher  education  of  woman,  and  to  offer 
larger  benefits  to  those  who  need  assistance?  One 
dollar  each,  from  all  the  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church  in  the  bounds  of  the  North  Carolina  Con- 
-ference,  will  be  sufficient  for  this  purpose.  Shall 
not  this  amount  be  raised  ?  What  beneficial  and 
lasting  results  will  flow  from  success  in  this  matter  ! 
When  this  object  shall  have  been  accomplished, 
the  North  Carolina  Conference  will,  (according  to 
agreement)  possess  an  interest  in  the  Greensboro 
Female  College  equal  to  an  investment  of  fifty 
thousand  dollars  at  six  per  cent,  per  annum,  equiva- 
lent to  an  annual  income  of  three  thousand  dollars 
a  year,  an  amount  sufficient  to  keep  twelve  or  fif- 
teen daughters  of  ministers  at  the  college  annually, 
for  all  time  to  come.  If  the  institution  should  con- 
tinue to  exist  and  prosper  for  one  hundred  and  fifty 
years,  the  members  of  the  Conference  will  receive 
benefits  in  money  value,  equal  to  one  hundred  and 


176  The  Centennial  of 

fifty  thousand  dollars,  and  vastly  greater  benefits  in 
the  mental  and  moral  training  of  their  daughters. 

This  consideration  ought  to  interest  every  minis- 
ter and  member  of  the  Methodist  Church  within  the 
hounds  of  the  North  Carolina  Conference,  in  favor 
of  the  college.  But  this  presentation  of  the  case 
appeals  partially  to  personal  interests.  There  is 
another  purer,  higher,  broader  consideration,  that 
should  stimulate  us  in  this  important  matter,  a  con- 
sideration involving  the  best  interests  of  society, 
and  the  true  welfare  of  the  church  of  God — the 
education  of  the  rising  generation.  Education,  by 
which  I  mean  the  proper  training,  developing,  and 
giving  a  wise  direction  to  the  intellectual  energies, 
and  the  susceptibilities  of  the  moral  and  spiritual 
nature,  is  the  grand  pendulum,  whose  vibrations 
keep  in  perpetual  operation  the  complicated  ma- 
chinery of  the  world's  mental  activities,  by  which 
the  progress,  improvement  and  elevation  of  the  con- 
dition of  our  race  are  to  be  accomplished. 

Many  men  of  talent,  learning  and  experience, 
who  have  studied  the  world's  history,  and  watched 
closely  the  influences  that  mold  human  character, 
and  decide  human  destiny,  maintain  the  opinion 
that  the  proper  education  of  woman  is  n'ot  less  im- 
portant to  the  well-being  of  civil  government,  the 
happiness  of  social  life,  the  prosperity  of  the  church, 
and  the  universal  spread  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus 
Christ,  than  that  of  the  other  sex.  It  is  true,  that 
the  sphere  of  life  assigned  to  her  by  her  All-wise 
Creator  is,  in  many  respects,  different  from  that 
assigned  to  man.     It  is  also  true,  that  the  duties  of 


Methodism  in  Worth  Carolina.  177 

her  appropriate  sphere  are  not  less  delicate,  respon- 
sible, important  and  difficult  of  performance  than 
his.  There  may  be  differences  of  mental  endow- 
ments, in  some  respects,  as  there  are  in  physical 
constitution.  But  this  difference  is  such  as  to  adapt 
them  to  their  appropriate  spheres  in  life.  It  is  not 
woman's  province  to  engage  in  the  rough  conflicts 
of  the  outer  world,  to  harangue  on  the  hustings,  to 
mingle  with  the  crowd  around  the  ballot  box,  to 
preside  over  deliberative  assemblies,  to  plead  causes 
at  the  bar,  to  open  new  channels  of  commerce,  to 
explore  fields  of  discovery,  to  reconstruct  social  sys- 
tems, or  re-organize  political  institutions.  And  yet 
to  all  the  enterprises  of  this  age  of  activity  and  pro- 
gress, she  sustains  an  intimate  relation.  In  all 
these,  her  work  is,  "what  the  soul  is  to  the  body  ; 
what  the  spirit  is  to  the  matter  which  it  animates 
and  informs."  For  she  operates,  not  upon  wood  and 
stone  and  marble,  but  upon  mind,  the  high  born, 
immortal  mind.  She  takes  it  in  its  first  dawning 
of  intelligence  and  reason,  and  imparts  to  it  its  first 
knowledge  of  objects  and  its  first  impressions  of 
beauty.  She  gives  character  to  all  the  future  being 
of  immortals  by  the  coloring  which  she  imparts  to 
the  foundations  of  intellectual  and  moral  life.  She 
has  it  in  her  power  to  tinge  with  bitterness  or  sweet- 
ness the  whole  stream  of  life,  and  to  awaken  im- 
pulses to  be  felt  beyond  the  grave.  She  touches  an 
instrument  whose  chords  vibrate  in  tones  of  moral 
music,  or  grate  in  harsh  discord,  through  all  time, 
and  in  the  great  hereafter,  will  wake  echoes  of  joy- 
ous melody  in  heaven,  or  wailings  of  sorrow  in  per- 
23 


178  The  Centennial  of 

dition.  Though  she  may  move  in  the  qniet  retire- 
ment of  domestic  life,  she,  nevertheless,  unfolds  and 
directs  those  stupendous  energies  of  intellect  and 
heart  that  rule  the  world.  She  is  thus  enabled  to 
wield  in  society  amoral  power  which  man  can  never 
command,  a  power  which  makes  itself  felt  for  good 
or  for  evil,  in  all  the  walks  of  life.  It  steals  into 
all  the  ramifications  of  society  and  occupies  all  the 
recesses  of  the  heart. 

Woman's  peculiar,  holy,  and  sublime  mission  on 
earth  imperatively  demands,  that  during  the  period 
of  her  youth,  she  be  furnished  with  all  needed  edu- 
cational advantages  and  facilities,  and  be  surround- 
ed with  the  very  best  moral  and  religious  influences, 
that  she  may  be  well  prepared  for  her  responsible 
position.  In  this  remarkable  age,  we  need  refined, 
well  cultivated,  sensible,  christian  women,  in  the 
family,  in  the  school-room,  in  the  Sunday  school,  in 
the  church,  in  society,  and  in  the  higher  walks  of 
literature. 

At  the  close  of  Dr.  Jones'  address,  the  choir  sang 
most  charmingly,  and  then  Bishop  Marvin  intro- 
duced Rev.  B.  Craven,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  President  of 
Trinity  College,  Randolph  county,  North  Carolina, 
who  gave  the  following 

"  HISTORICAL    SKETCH    OF    TRINITY    COLLEGE." 

Mr.  Craven  said : 
Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen: 

Trinity  College  is  indigenous  to  this  country  and 
to  the  age.     Neither  in  theory  nor  discipline,  is  it 


Methodism  in  Norte  Carolina,  179 

an  importatation  from  other  lands  or  institutions  ; 
though,  in  its  growth,  it  has  profited  by  the  experi- 
ence of  all,  it  is  not  the  development  of  predeter- 
mined ideas  and  plans,  nor  a  calculated  creation  for 
the  maintenance  and  diffusion  of  local,  theological 
or  political  dogmas ;  but  it  is,  in  part  at  least,  both 
the  cause  and  result  of  the  intellectual  and  moral 
growths  of  this  and  other  States. 

The  founders  of  the  institution  did  not  think  of  a 
college;  their  most  sanguine  dream  did  not  include 
the  curriculum  and  the  diploma ;  their  utmost  in- 
tent embraced  only  such  instruction  as  is  usually 
given  in  a  good  academy.  Feeling  the  impulse  of 
larger  ideas  and  wants,  they  hoped  to  secure  a  good 
practical  education  for  their  own  sons,  and  those  of 
the  surrounding  counties. 

The  northwest  township  of  Randolph,  near  the 
centre  of  which  Trinity  is  located,  is  not  only  one 
of  the  best  portions  of  the  county,  but  of  that  part  of 
the  State.  In  and  near  it  are  the  heads  of  the  Cape 
Fear  and  Uwharrie  rivers,  the  principle  streams  in 
the  central  hill  country. 

The  surface  is  gently  rolling,  the  land  fertile,  the 
water  pure  and  good,  and  the  air  serene  and  health- 
ful. It  was  comparatively  a  populous  community  in 
colonial  times,  and  was  the  scene  of  several  inter- 
esting events  during  the  Revolution. 

The  Grays,  Harpers,  Leaches,  Hogans,  Browns, 
Johnsons,  Mendenhalls,  Englishes,  Robbins,  Tom- 
linsons,  and  others  composed  one  of  the  best  rural 
communities  that  could  be  found  in  the  State. 

In  the  midst  of  this  people  five  miles  from  High 


180  The  Centennial  of 

Point,  in  1838,  Rev.  Brantly  York,  D.  D.,  com- 
menced an  ordinary  school.  In  1839,  the  school 
was  moved  to  tiie  present  site  of  the  college,  a  good 
framed  building  of  two  rooms  was  erected,  the  s^liool 
was  chartered  as  Union  Institute,  and  for  a  year  or 
two  prospered  greatly.  In  1812,  Dr.  York  retired 
from  the  academy,  and  Rev.  B.  Craven,  then  nine- 
teen years  old,  was  elected  to  take  charge.  The 
salary,  for  the  first  year,  was  two  hundred  dollars, 
guaranteed,  and  as  much  more  as  the  school  might 
earn,  the  total  income  wTas  something  less  than  three 
hundred  dollars.  After  that  no  salary  was  pledged, 
the  Principal  paying  all  expenses,  fixing  his  own 
terms  and  regulations,  and  receiving  the  whole  in- 
come. From  1843  to  1850,  the  gross  income  varied 
from  three  hundred  to  eighteen  hundred  dollars, 
making  a  general  average  of  about  twelve  hundred 
dollars.  The  number  of  students  that  matriculated 
annually  during  this  time  varied  from  twenty-eight 
to  one  hundred  and  eighty-four,  the  general  aver- 
age being  about  one  hundred  and  five. 

The  amount  of  earnings  lost  during  these  seven 
years  was  nine  hundred  and  eighty  dollars,  an  aver- 
age of  one  hundred  and  forty  dollars  per  annum  ; 
the  amount  given  to  indigent  young  men  was  fif- 
teen hundred  and  seventy  dollars,  giving  an  annual 
average  of  a  little  more  than  two  hundred  and 
twenty-four  dollars. 

The  number  of  conversions  at  the  various  relig- 
ious services  in  the  academy  during  the  seven  years 
was  about  three  hundred ;  the  number  expelled 
from  the  school  was  eight,  and  the  number  of  deaths 


Methodism  in  Nokth  Carolina.  181 

was  four.  During  this  time  the  school  became  very 
popular,  and  though  difficult  of  access,  was  patron- 
ized by  nearly  all  parts  of  this  State  and  largely 
from  Virginia  and  South  Carolina. 

The  moral  character  of  the  academy  was  emi- 
nently good,  and  the  }7oung  men,  then  educated, 
have  been  marked  for  their  usefulness  and  worth  as 
citizens.  In  January,  1851,  the  institution  was  re- 
chartered  by  the  Legislature,  and  was  named  Nor- 
mal College. 

The  chief  intent  of  this  change  was  to  secure  a 
higher  grade  of  teachers  for  common  and  high 
schools,  and  to  furnish  a  better  guarantee  of  their 
acquirements  and  qualifications,  than  could  be  done 
by  the  ill-prepared  and  unpaid  boards  of  examiners 
in  the  different  counties. 

By  the  charter  the  certificate  of  the  college  was 
made  lawful  evidence  of  qualification  to  teach,  and 
no  further  examination  was  required. 

The  good  sought  was  to  some  extent  realized,  but 
the  influence  upon  £he  institution  was  exceedingly 
injurious,  and  continued  long  after  to  effect  its  for- 
tunes adversely. 

Young  men  with  a  mere  elementary  education, 
with  little  mental  development  or  discipline,  and 
often  without  those  social  influences  that  are  the 
best  foundation  for  elegant  culture,  went  forth  bear- 
ing a  Normal  certificate,  and  authorized  to  teach 
any  common  school  in  the  State. 

,Coming  from  an  institution,  having  the  name  of 
a  college,  they  were  unjustly,  but  generally  com- 
pared with  the  regularly  educated  students  of  other 


182  The  Centennial  of 

colleges,  frequently  with  damaging  and  sometimes 
with  destructive  effect. 

These  crude  young  teachers  having  generally  no 
higher  ambition  than  to  teach  a  few  terms  of  a 
country  primary  school,  and  sometimes  not  well 
qualified  for  that,  could  not  pretend  adequately  to 
represent  either  the  scholarship  or  culture  of  the 
institution,  an  equitable  criticism  could  not  have 
pretended  that  they  were  exponents  of  Normal. 

Yet  such  affirmations  were  unsparingly  made  and 
emphasized,  both  by  those  who  knew  and  those  who 
did  not. 

The  exclusive  Normal  feature  was  unfortunate, 
and  it  required  years  of  toil  and  patience  to  over- 
come the  evil.  The  same  misfortune  still  applies 
to  the  preparatory  department  in  Trinity  and  other 
colleges.  Many  students  never  engage  in  any  hut 
primary  studies;  before  these  are  completed,  they 
either  so  fail  as  to  justify  their  discontinuance,  or 
are  forced  by  other  circumstances  to  leave  the  insti- 
tution ;  yet  they  are  sometimes,  referred  to  as  sam- 
ples of  Trinity  and  best  culture. 

Since  1851,  not  one-tenth  of  those  matriculated 
have  graduated,  yet  all  are  called  Trinity  students, 
the  failures  equally  with  the  successes.  The  only 
fair  estimate  is  to  compare  Trinity  students  grade 
for  grade  with  others,  and  on  this  basis  Trinity  will 
have  high  position. 

At  the  Salisbury  session  of  the  North  Carolina 
Conference,  in  1851,  the  first  connection  between 
the  college  and  the  Conference  was  effected.  The 
trustees  made  propositions  to  the  Conference,  which 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  183 

were  accepted.  The  college  was  to  educate  young 
men  preparing  for  the  ministry  without  charge, 
and  the  Conference  endorsed  the  college  and  an- 
nually appointed  a  visiting  committee.  This  rela- 
tion gave  the  Conference  neither  ownership  nor 
control,  but  inaugerated  a  mutual  co-operation 
that  was  eminently  beneficial. 

In  1853,  the  charter  was  amended,  giving  the 
college  full  power  to  confer  any  and  all  degrees 
and  do  all  other  acts  usual  to  literary  institutions 
of  high  grade.  This  was  really  its  commencement 
as  a  college,  and  from  that  time  till  the  war,  its  suc- 
cess was  steadily  onward.  The  amended  charter 
directed  the  Literary  Board  of  the  State  to  loan  the 
trustees  ten  thousand  dollars  upon  execution  of  an 
acceptable  bond  for  the  .same.  To  procure  proper 
securities  for  that  amount,  with  no  available  prop- 
erty as  a  guarantee,  and  no  person  giving  the  mat- 
ter any  consideration  except  the  President,  was  a 
work  of  great  difficulty.  The  trustees,  as  such,  as- 
sumed no  personal  responsibility;  they  simply  ex- 
ecuted the  ordinary  routine  official  work.  For  some 
time  it  appeared  that  the  loan  could  not  be  secured. 
Finally,  Hon.  John  A.  Gilmore,  then  a  trustee  and 
one  of  the  most  active  and  efficient  friends  the  insti- 
tution had  in  these  days  of  darkness,  proposed  to 
sign  the  bond,  provided  the  President  would  sign 
it  and  procure  the  signatures  of  five  other  respon- 
sible gentlemen.  The  other  signers  were  obtained, 
the  money  secured,  and  suitable  buildings  were 
erected. 


184  The  Centennial  of 

Up  to  that  time  the  college  lived  and  flourished 
with  the  most  inferior  and  inefficient  buildings  and 
acco  m  mod  at  ions. 

In  1856,  the  trustees  again  made  propositions  to 
the  Conference,  which  were  accepted.  By  this 
arrangement,  the  property  was  transferred  to  the 
Conference,  and  the  Conference,  through  trustees 
of  its  own  election,  has  full  control.  The  transfer 
was  not  fully  effected  until  1858,  and  in  1859,  by 
an  act  of  the  Legislature,  the  college  was  fully  and 
finally  vested  in  the  Conference  with  all  the  rights 
and  privileges  usual  in  such  cases.  By  the  same 
legislative  act,  the  name  was  changed  to  Trinity. 

From  the  commencement  till  this  time,  the  Gov- 
ernor of  the  State  was  ex-ojjicio,  president  of  the 
board  of  trustees,  and  the  superintendent  of  com- 
mon schools  was  secretary,  thus  connecting  the  col- 
lege with  the  State ;  by  the  act  of  1859,  this  con- 
nection was  severed,  all  jSTormal  features  annulled, 
and  the  institution  became  a  regular  denominational 
college,  belonging  to  the  North  Carolina  Conference 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South. 

From  1853  to  1859,  the  average  number  of  matri- 
culations was  one  hundred  and  eighty-seven;  the 
average  gross  income  about  five  thousand  dollars. 
The  losses  for  six  years  were  thirteen  hundred  and 
forty  dollars ;  an  average  of  two  hundred  and 
twenty-three  dollars  per  annum.  The  gratuitous 
tuition  afforded  amounted  to  twenty-seven  hundred 
dollars,  an  annual  average  of  four  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars.  During  this  period  of  six  years,  the  num- 
ber of  deaths  was  five  ;  expulsions,  eight ;  number 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  185 

of  conversions,  three  hundred  and  sixty,  and  so  far  as 
known  two  hundred  and  eighty -four  of  these  joined 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  and  sixteen 
joined  other  churches.  This  period  embracing  the 
whole  of  the  Normal  history,  was  marked  by  fierce 
opposition  by  adherents  to  old  opinions  and  ideas, 
the  college  had  as  yet  no  force  of  alumni  to  defend 
and  sustain,  and  could  really  rest  upon  nothing  but 
merit.  The  Conference  was  divided  in  its  favor,  a 
part  of  the  members  naturally  adhering  to  older  in- 
stitutions and  associations ;  and  hence  Normal,  as 
the  college  was  then  called,  had  a  hard  but  victori- 
ous life. 

From  1859  to  1862,  the  average  number  of  matri- 
culations annually  was  two  hundred  and  four;  the 
gross  income  seventy-five  hundred  dollars  per  an- 
num, losses  three  hundred  and  eighty  dollars,  gra- 
tuitous tuition,  eight  hundred  and  thirty  dollars. 
During  the  whole  time,  expulsions,  five ;  deaths, 
three ;  conversions,  one  hundred  and  sixty -five. 
These  were  by  far  the  most  prosperous  years  the 
college  has  ever  had ;  current  expenses  were  paid 
fully  and  promptly,  oppositions  had  died  away, 
agents  appointed  by  the  Conference  were  readily 
securing  ample  funds  for  elegant  and  commodious 
buildings.  Some  gentlemen  were  proposing  to  in- 
augurate a  handsome  endowment,  and  every  thing 
was  favorable  for  a  secure  foundation  of  enduring 
prosperity.     By  the  war  all  was  changed. 

During  the  war  the  exercises  of  the  institution 
were  continued  with  a  variable,  but  constantly  de- 
creasing number  of  students.  In  1863,  the  Presi- 
24 


186  The  Centennial  of 

dent  resigned,  and  was  stationed  for  two  years  at 
Edenton  Street  Church  in  the  city  of  Raleigh.  Pro- 
fessor G  an  aw  ay  was  placed  in  charge  as  President 
pro  tempore,  and  continued  with  a  small  number  of 
students  till  the  arrival  of  General  Hardee's  corps 
in  April,  1865.  The  exercises  were  then  suspended 
till  the  following  January.  In  the  fall  of  1865, 
Dr.  Craven,  the  former  President,  was  re-elected, 
and  having  been  requested  by  the  Conference  to 
accept  the  position,  he  proceeded  immediately  after 
Conference  to  repair  and  re-open  the  institution. 

From  1866  to  1876,  the  average  number  of  matri- 
culations was  one  hundred  and  fifty-six ;  gross  an- 
nual income,  six  thousand  dollars  ;  losses,  three  hun- 
dred and  forty  dollars ;  gratuitous  tuition,  six  hun- 
dred and  twenty  ;  for  the  whole  time,  deaths,  four  ; 
expulsions,  four ;  conversions,  three  hundred  and 
thirty-two. 

From  the  first,  a  period  of  thirty -four  years,  the 
statistics  are  as  follows :  losses,  six  thousand  and 
sixty  dollars  ;  gratuitous  tuition,  eleven  thousand 
three  hundred  dollars ;  deaths  at  college,  thirteen  ; 
expulsions,  twenty-five ;  conversions,  eleven  hun- 
dred and  fifty -seven. 

The  whole  number  of  graduates  is  one  hundred 
and  ninety-eight ;  of  these  seventy-eight  have  re- 
ceived A.  M. ;  thirty-four  are  lawyers  ;  physicians, 
thirteen;  preachers,  twenty-eight;  teachers  and 
professors  in  colleges,  twenty-five.  Of  the  whole 
number  twenty-three  have  died,  thirteen  of  whom 
were  killed  in  the  war.  Fifteen  of  the  graduates 
are  members  of  the  North  Carolina  Conference,  and 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  187 

thirty -six,  being  over  one-fifth  of  the  whole  Confer- 
ence, were  educated  in  whole  or  in  part  at  Trinity. 

The  honorary  degree  of  Master  of  Arts  has  been 
conferred  upon  fifteen  persons,  Doctor  of  Divinity 
upon  thirteen,  and  Doctor  of  Laws  upon  two. 

The  Professors  have  been  as  follows  : 
Rev.  A.  S.  Andrews,  D.  D.,     1851  to  1854. 
Hon.  W.  M.  Robbins,  A.  M.,  1851  to  1854. 
L.  Johnson,  A.  M.,  1855  to  the  present. 

I.  L.  Wright,  A.  M.,  1855  to  1865. 

W.  T.  Ganaway,  A.  M.,  1857  to  the  present. 

O.  W.  Carr,  A.  M.,  1863  to  the  present. 

Rev.  Peter  Doub,  D.  D.,  1866  to  1870. 

W.  C.  Doub,  A.  M.,  1867  to  1873. 

J.  W.  Young,  Esq.,  1864  to  1865. 

Rev.  W.  H.  Pegram,  A.  M.,     1865  to  the  present. 

The  following  have  been  Tutors  : 
L.  Johnson,  A.  M.,     -        -        -        1853  to  1855 
O.  W.  Carr,  A.  M.,     -         -         -         1855  to  1863 
Rev.  J.  H.  Robbins,  A.  M.,  1855  to  1859 

R.  H.  Skeene,  A.  M.,  -        -        1858  to  1860 

L.  W.  Andrews,  A.  M.,  -  -  1860  to  1863 
R.  S.  Andrews,  A.  M.,  -  -  1870  to  1871 
Rev.  J.  K.  Tucker,  A.  M.,  -         1871  to  1872 

Rev.  W.  H.  Pegram,  A.  M.,        -        1873  to  1875 

The  college  owns  seventeen  acres  of  land  that 
cost  twelve  hundred  dollars  :  buildings  worth  thirty- 
five  thousand  dollars,  and  furniture  and  apparatus 
to  the  value  of  three  thousand  dollars.  There  are 
four  libraries,  containing  over  ten  thousand  volumes, 
and  worth  at  least  ten  thousand  dollars.  The  build- 
ings are  two  united  together,  substantially  built  of 


188  The  Centennial  of 

brick,  three  stories  high,  covered  with  iron,  and 
nearly  the  same  as  new.  For  at  least  two  hundred 
students,  the  accommodations  are  ample  in  lecture- 
rooms,  society  halls,  libraries,  museum,  and  every 
thing  that  can  be  required.  The  chapel  is,  perhaps, 
the  best  auditorium  in  the  country,  both  for  the 
speaker  and  the  hearer.  It  will  pleasantly  seat  two 
thousand  persons,  and  is  so  perfect  in  acoustics, 
ventilation  and  arrangement,  that  a  much  larger 
number  might  be  accommodated,  each  seeing  the 
speaker  without  obstruction,  hearing  distinctly,  and 
suffering  no  inconvenience  from  impression. 

Trinity  presents  a  phenomenon  in  the  history  of 
colleges.  It  has  financially  founded  itself  and  paid 
its  bills.  The  Conference  did  not  receive  it  as  a  pau- 
per or  a  bankrupt ;  it  came  asking  favor  and  recogni- 
tion from  its  own  church,  but  at  the  same  time, 
able  and  willing  to  confer  favors  in  return.  Over  and 
above  all  liabilities,  the  college  property  is  worth 
forty  thousand  dollars,  and  the  college  has  earned 
and  paid  at  least  thirty  thousand  dollars  of  this 
amount.  Hence,  in  some  way,  by  its  own  unaided 
efforts  and  skill  in  finance,  the  college  has  earned 
the  above  sum,  sustained  a  faculty  competent  in 
number  and  qualifications,  lost  six  thousand  and 
sixty  dollars  in  bad  debts,  and  has  given  eleven 
thousand  and  two  hundred  dollars  gratuitous  tui- 
tion. This  it  has  done  not  with  the  breeze  of  uni- 
versal favor,  but,  in  the  face  of  storms  adverse  and 
persistent  from  all  points  of  the  compass.  Its  or- 
ganic theory,  methods  of  work,  and  ideals  sought  to 
be  realized,  have  differed  to  some  extent  from  the 


Methodism  est  North  Carolina.  189 

accepted  and  supposed  infallible  collegiate  tradi- 
tions and  doctrines  of  the  State  and  the  church ; 
hence,  both  sneers  and  anathemas  were  to  be  ex- 
pected, yet  certainly  not  with  a  zeal  beyond  reason, 
and  a  venom  implacable.  With  slender  financial 
resources  among  its  active  friends,  and  very  little 
aid  from  others,  it  has  attempted  what  was  deemed 
possible  only  on  a  large  pecuniary  basis,  and  hence 
the  perpetual  antagonism  of  honest  doubt  and 
bigotted  depreciation,  and  from  the  first,  by  merit 
alone,  Trinity  has  had  to  compete  for  popular  favor 
with  other  institutions  that  had  an  abundance  of 
money,  the  whole  force  of  tradition,  the  eclat  of 
distinguished  alumni,  and  the  sanction  of  history. 

But  now  these  difficulties  have  nearly  ceased. 
Success  may  or  may  not  be  the  criterion  of  talent, 
and  rank  conferred  by  act  of  Parliament  may  be 
doubted  ;  but,  among  all  peoples  and  at  all  times, 
the  workman  is  known  by  his  work.  On  this  issue, 
Trinity  stands  and  bides  her  time.  She  points  with 
maternal  pride  and  unfaltering  confidence  to  thou- 
sands of  her  sons,  even  partially  educated,  as  among 
the  most  respectable  citizens  of  the  country,  relia- 
ble and  influential  in  private  and  public  affairs,  and 
not  without  distinction  in  production,  trade,  legis- 
lation and  the  ministry  of  the  gospel  ;  with  still 
greater  confidence,  she  brings  forward  her  catalogue 
of  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  living  graduates — ■ 
of  these,  one  hundred  and  fifty  are  members  of  some 
branch  of  the  christian  church ;  nearly  all  are  be- 
lieved to  be  moral  men ;  it  is  estimated  that  one 
hundred  and  sixty-eight  are  temperance  advocates 


190  The  Centennial  of 

in  theory  and  practice ;  and,  if  their  positions  in 
society  were  vacated,  the  result  would  be  seriously 
felt  by  church  and  State. 

Trinity  has  been  conducted  upon  principles  ma- 
turely considered  and  well  denned ;  departures 
from  them  have  been  rare  under  any  circumstances  ; 
defects  in  them  have  had  the  most  available  reme- 
dies ;  and  improvements  have,  at  all  times,  been 
promptly  adopted. 

In  1853,  the  following  general  principles  were 
fixed  as  doctrines  by  which  the  college  should  be 
regulated  and  controlled : 

1.  The  college,  in  the  relation  both  of  trustees 
and  faculty,  shall  do  its  own  work,  and  do  it  well, 
without  opposition  or  disparagement  to  other  insti- 
tutions ;  aggressions  and  misrepresentations  shall 
be  permitted  to  defeat  themselves  by  their  own 
folly  and  wrong ;  and  obsolete  traditions  shall  be 
met  by  living  facts,  where  reality  may  be  its  own 
logic. 

2.  The  college  shall  be  theoretically  and  practi- 
cally religious  ;  religious  in  creed  and  in  heart ;  re- 
ligious doctrinally  and  by  conversion.  To  that  end 
the  college  must  be  denominational,  without  being 
sectarian.  Different  creeds  may  meet  for  fraternity, 
social  interests  and  secular  work ;  but,  when  souls 
are  to  be  won,  each  denomination  must  be  in  its 
own  temple.  A  non-religious  college  is,  and  ought 
to  be,  a  failure  in  human  interest,  if  not  in  number 
of  students.  The  student  must  be  a  christian,  or 
the  man  will,  probably,  be  practically  an  infidel. 
The  intellect  must  mature  in  the  light  and  warmth 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  191 

of  a  pure  heart.  The  whole  tone  of  the  college  must 
be  one  of  fervent  piety,  and  revivals  and  conver- 
sions a  part  of  its  ordinary  life. 

3.  Students  must  be  governed.  They  have  been 
abruptly  released  from  family  and  social  restraints  ; 
they  form  a  public  opinion  of  their  own,  sometimes 
just  and  generous,  but  often  capricious  and  evil ; 
the  passions  are  strong,  the  will  impulsive  and 
weak;  judgment  is  immature,  experience  of  temp- 
tation limited,  habits  of  good  not  formed,  and  ten- 
dencies to  evil  often  fearfully  strong.  They  must 
have  attention,  oversight  and  control ;  they  must 
not  form  tastes,  habits  and  character  by  their  own 
inclinations.  They  must  not  mould  the  life  of  the 
college,  and  stamp  their  crude  opinions  upon  its 
destiny  ;  but  the  college  must  develop  and  disci- 
,  pline  them  to  the  best  manhood. 

4.  Students  cannot  be  governed  by  mere  statute 
law.  Rules  and  regulations  cannot  control  them 
and  if  they  could,  the  desired  results  would  not 
be  attained  by  such  means.  The  government  must 
be  moral,  the  word  of  God  must  be  the  operative 
law,  and  conscience  the  court  of  appeal.  Religious 
life  and  christian  observances  and  forms  are  the  best 
habitat  for  all  the  virtues ;  under  their  influence 
obedience,  self-restraint,  love  of  truth,  sobriety  and 
diligence  grow  best.  More  than  any  other  place 
on  earth,  a  college  needs  the  whole  force  of  practi- 
cal, fervent  piety. 

Such  is  a  brief  sketch  of  the  external  history  of 
Trinity.  Its  internal  history  cannot  be  written  ; 
its  struggles,  trials  and  difficulties  are  not  for  the 


192  The  Centennial  of 

pen  of  the  historian  ;  but  must  remain  a  part  of 
the  great  unwritten  volume  of  human  toil. 

During  this  year  the  college  has  one  hundred 
and  forty  students;  fifteen  seniors,  eighteen  juniors, 
twenty-eight  sophomores,  twenty-one  freshmen, 
twenty-six  in  special  studies,  twenty-four  in 
Theology  and  seventeen  in  Law. 

The  curriculum  is  equal  in  extent  to  that  of  any 
institution  in  the  country,  and  the  amount  and  qual- 
ity of  study  required  are  not  surpassed  by  the  old- 
est colleges.  Trinity  stands  a  peer  with  the  best  in 
the  great  family  of  first-class  colleges  in  America. 

After  completing  and  paying  for  present  im- 
provements, one  great  urgent  want  yet  remains. 
The  college  must  be  endowed.  To  meet  the  de- 
mand of  the  times,  keep  place  with  improvements 
and  growths,  and  hold  equal  peace  with  a  host  of 
noble  competitors,  one  hundred  thousand  dollars 
endowment  must  be  realized  at  an  early  day.  Her 
alumni  and  friends  can  do  the  work,  and  it  will  be 
done. 

At  the  close  of  Dr.  Craven's  address,  Bishop 
Marvin  made  a  short  speech  on  the  subject  of 
Christian  Education  as  connected  with  the  colleges 
of  the  North  Carolina  Conference.  The  Bishop 
then  introduced  Rev.  J.  A.  Cunninggim,  who  ex- 
plained thejplani  adopted  by  the  agents  of  the  three 
Conference  colleges,  for  raising  funds  for  this  benefit. 

The  Long  Meter  Doxology  was  sung,  by  the  vast 
assembly,  led  by  the  choir,  and  the  benediction  was 
pronounced  by  Bishop  E.  M.  Marvin,  D.  D. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  193 

Eev.  W.  M.  Kobey,  A.  M.,  President  of  Daven- 
port Female  College,  had  prepared  a  sketch  of  the 
institution  over  which  he  presides,  but  did  not  read 
it.  We  are  permitted,  however,  to  publish  the 
sketch,  and  we  insert  it  in  this  connection.  It  is  as 
follows,  viz : 

"  HISTORICAL  sketch    of    davenport    female    col- 
lege, LENOIR,  CALDWELL  COUNTY,    NORTH  CAROLINA." 

I  propose  in  this  sketch  to  give  only  a  brief  out- 
line of  the  origin  and  history  of  this  institution. 

In  the  absence  of  systematic  records  the  mate- 
rials at  hand  do  not  enable  us  to  do  merited  honor 
to  all  who  have  contributed  to  the  success  of  the 
enterprise,  even  if  time  and  space  would  allow  the 
attempt,  and  even  of  the  materials  at  hand,  the 
limits  assigned  us  will  permit  us  to  use  only  a  part. 
Many  persons  and  events  therefore,  we  regret  to 
say,  which  deserve  honorable  mention,  must  of  ne- 
cessity be  passed  by  in  silence. 

Early  in  the  decade  of  1850  the  project  of  es- 
tablishing a  female  college  at  Lenoir,  was  agitated 
by  the  Presbyterians,  and  conditional  subscriptions 
were  taken  to  the  amount  of  about  ten  thousand 
dollars.  The  Concord  Presbytery,  however,  finally 
concluded  to  locate  their  institution  at  Statesville. 
This,  of  course,  disappointed  the  hopes  of  the  sub- 
scribers in  this  locality,  but  the  agitation  of  the 
subject  had  developed  the  animus  of  the  commu- 
nity, which  showed  itself  in  the  amount  so  freely 
and  generously  subscribed. 
25 


191  The  Centennial  of 

The  Methodist  discovering  the  favorable  tide  of 
public  opinion,  immediately  came  to  the  front,  with 
a  proposition  to  build  a  Methodist  college,  to  be 
controlled  by  the  South  Carolina  Conference. 

Accordingly  a  public  meeting  was  held  in  the 
year  of  1853,  the  result  of  which  netted  to  the  en- 
terprise a  reliable  subscription  of  more  than  ten 
thousand  dollars. 

It  was  now  determined  to  proceed  with  the  work. 
The  main  building,  which  was  designed  by  an 
architect  in  Columbia,  South  Carolina,  was  let  to 
contract  at  nine  thousand  and  eight  hundred 
dollars. 

This  contract  was  taken  by  Messrs.  Shell  & 
Cloyd,  of  Lenoir,  and  was  subsequently  executed  in 
a  manner  that  does  them  credit  as  men  and  me- 
chanics for  honesty  and  faithfulness  in  the  eyes  of 
All  who  have  ever  examined  the  work. 

The  college  building  is  of  brick,  one  hundred  and 
twenty  feet  long,  in  the  form  of  a  transept,  its 
wings  thirty  feet  wide,  fifty  feet  long  in  the  centre, 
and  a  large  portico  in  front,  resting  on  four  massive 
fluted  columns,  two-and-half  stories  high,  and  sur- 
mounted by  a  lofty  observatory.  The  stories  are 
very  high  and  consequently  all  its  separate  depart- 
ments are  airy  and  cool,  even  in  the  warmest  sea- 
son. It  contains  in  all  thirteen  spacious  rooms,  be- 
sides a  large  chapel  and  halls.  Distinct  from  this 
buildings,  but  connected  with  it  by  long,  airy  cor- 
ridors, is  the  boarding  department,  a  large  three- 
story  building  containing  twelve  spacious  rooms, 
besides  a  large  dining  room  and  halls.     The  rooms 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  195 

on  the  second  and  third  stories  of  this  building  are 
connected  by  a  long;  corridor  on  the  second  story 
immediately  opening  into  the  chapel.  This  build- 
ing cost  about  six  thousand  dollars,  making  the 
aggregate  cost  of  the  two  edifices  not  less  than  about 
sixteen  thousand  dollars. 

The  college  campus  embraces  sixteen  acres  of 
land,  a  large  part  of  which  is  beautifully  shaded 
and  turfed.  Near  its  centre  there  rises  a  well-pro- 
portioned and  considerably  elevated  eminence,  ad- 
mirably adapted  to  the  purpose,  upon  the  summit 
of  which  stands  the  college  building,  its  general 
outline  and  commanding  elevation  give  it  a  hand- 
some and  symmetrical  appearance,  while  from  the 
observatory  with  which  it  is  crowned,  the  outlook 
upon  the  surrounding  landscapes,  adjacent  and  dis- 
tant mountains,  is  magnificent  beyond  description. 

The  most  liberal  contributor  to  this  great  enter- 
prise, as  appears  from  the  original  subscription  list, 
was  Colonel  Wm.  Davenport,  who  gave  in  all  not 
less  than  three  thousand  dollars;  the  next  highest 
on  the  list  is  Colonel  Jas.  C.  Harper,  thirteen  hun- 
dred and  ten  dollars  ;  Captain  W.  A.  Lenoir,  twelve 
hundred  dollars  ;  Jas.  Harper,  Esq.,  one  thousand 
dollars ;  Colonel  E.  "W.  Jones,  seven  hundred  and 
fifty  dollars ;  Uriah  Cloyd  gave  six  hundred  dollars. 

Among  those  who  gave  one,  two  and  three  hun- 
dred dollars  are  the  names  of  C.  C.  &  J.  L.  Jones, 
L.  M.  Tuttle,  E.  B.  Bogle,  Joseph  C.  Norwood, 
Noah  Spainhour,  J.  G.  Ballard,  S.  P.  Dula,  W.  H. 
Lenoir,  Esq.,  J.  L.  Healan,  W.  M.  Puett,  K.  E. 
Wakefield,  T.  D.  Jones,  J.  A.  Ballard,  J.  T.  E. 


196  The  Centennial  of 

Miller,  A.  S.  Kent,  J.  M.  Conley,  N.  A.  Powell, 
L.  T.  Jones,  fm.  Deal,  K  A.  Miller,  John  Ruth- 
erford,  Nancy  Rutherford,  S.  F.  Patterson,  Rev. 
J.  "W.  Kelly,  Rev.  J.  S.  Ervin,  Rev.  A.  M.  Shipp, 
Rev.  II.  M.  Mood,  Mrs.  S.  C.  Jones,  Rev.  H.  H. 
Durant,  Mrs.  Mary  Davenport. 

Many  of  whom  are  still  living  to  see  and  enjoy 
the  fruit  of  their  beneficence. 

To  show  the  earnest  spirit  with  which  these  men 
were  actuated  in  this  work,  I  extract  the  follow- 
ing clause  from  the  original  subscription  paper.  Af- 
ter specifying  all  the  details  of  the  plan  and  all  the 
conditions  involved,  they  go  on  to  say :    "  And  we, 
severally,  promise  and  agree  that  we  will  pay  to  the 
chairman  of  said  building  committee  at  such  time 
or  times,  and  in  such  porportions  as  said  building 
committee  shall  determine,  the  amount  by  us  here 
subscribed,  and  that  in  case  of  failure  on  our  part 
to  pay  the  said  amounts  or  proportions  or  any  part 
of  them  at  said  time,   we,  severally,  promise  and 
agree  that  we  will  pay  interest  at  the  rate  of  six  per 
cent,  per  annum,  on  the  part  of  which  we  respec- 
tively so  fail  to  pay  during  the  time  of  such  failure, 
and  that  the  chairman  for  the  time,  of  such  build- 
ing committee,  may,  in  his  own  name,  sue  for  and 
recover  the  same  with  interest  as  aforesaid,  to  be 
applied  to  the  uses  and  purposes  aforesaid,  and  in 
case  of  our  deaths,  we,  severally,  promise  and  agree 
that  this  subscription  shall  be  paid  by  our  respective 
personal  representatives,  and  shall  be  binding  on 
our  estates." 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  197 

Live  or  die,  sink  or  swim,  this  subscription  was 
to  be  paid,  and  it  was  paid,  be  it  recorded  to  the 
honor  of  these,  in  due  time  without  a  single  case  of 
litigation. 

Colonel  Ed.  W.  Jones,  who  is  still  a  member  of 
the  board  of  trustees,  and  who  has  ever  been  a  fast 
friend  of  the  institution,  and  has  done  much  for  it, 
which  this  record  does  not  show,  is  a  member  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

James  Harper,  Esq.,  an  old  citizen  of  Lenoir,  is 
still  living,  and  who  gave  in  the  first  subscription 
one  thousand  dollars,  is  a  worthy  member  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church. 

Captain  Wm.  A.  Lenoir,  also  an  Episcopalian, 
who  was  one  of  the  most  active  friends  of  the  pro- 
ject, and  gave  twelve  hundred  dollars  on  the  first 
subscription — died  several  years  ago,  lamented  by 
all,  as  one  of  the  most  patriotic,  energetic  and  use- 
ful citizens  of  this  community. 

Colonel  William  Davenport,  whose  honored  name 
the  institution  bears,  was  by  birth  a  Virginian ,  but 
came  to  North  Carolina  in  early  life.  When  a 
youth,  he  was  acquainted  with  Bishop  Asbury  and 
Jesse  Lee,  and  several  times  had  the  honor  or  plea- 
sure of  piloting  the  Bishop  across  the  mountains  to 
Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  Colonel  Davenport  was 
a  Methodist  of  the  old  Wesleyan  type. 

As  a  man  and  as  a  citizen,  Colonel  Davenport, 
was  modest  and  unostentatious.  Yet,  remarkably 
firm  and  decided  in  his  opinions  and  purposes,  espe- 
cially was  this  true  in  regard  to  all  moral  questions 
or  principles,  as  well  as  church  polity.     He  gave  to 


198  The  Centennial  oE 

Methodism  all  the  weight  uf  his  character  and  influ- 
ence and  guarded  with  jealous  care  all  those  pecu- 
liarities which  marked  her  early  history,  and  yet 
from  his  position  and  relations  in  society,  he  was 
often  called  upon  to  extend  his  hospitality  and  moral 
support  to  other  denominations.  This  he  most  un- 
stintingly  and  impartially  bestowed,  aided  and  en- 
couraged by  his  eminently  pious  and  faithful  wife, 
who  was  one  of  the  "elect  ladies,"  active  in  efforts 
to  do  good,  thus  while  lie  strictly  maintained  his 
own  preferences  and  opinions,  evangelical  Christian- 
ity never  appealed  in  vain  to  them  for  encourage- 
ment and  support  under  whatsoever  name  its  claims 
were  presented.  His  honse  was  the  home  of  the 
preacher.  The  poor,  of  whom  there  were  many 
around  him,  shared  largely  of  the  abundance  with 
which  a  kind  Providence  generally  blessed  him. 

Colonel  Davenport  served  his  county  repeatedly 
as  a  member  of  the  Legislature,  and  in  State  interests 
as  well  as  those  of  the  church,  he  evinced  the  same 
uniform  firmness  and  integrity,  and  thus  secured 
and  enjoyed  the  unbounded  confidence  and  esteem 
of  his  fellow-citizens. 

He  was  not,  what  the  world  would  call  wealthy, 
but,  by  his  energy,  industry  and  good  management, 
lie  succeeded  in  amassing  a  very  liberal  fortune, 
which  he  ever  regarded  as  a  talent,  committed  to 
him  as  God's  steward,  and,  in  the  exercise  of  his 
munificence,  he  ever  kept  this  great  truth  before 
him.  It  was,  no  doubt,  under  such  impulse  that  he 
was  influenced  to  come  forward  with  such  a  noble, 
generous,  free-will  offering  to  the  institution  bear- 
ing his  name. 


Methodism  est  North  Carolina.  199 

Providence  opened  the  way — the  people  came  up 
with  a  helping  hand.  The  interests  of  female  educa- 
tion in  the  west  needed  some  central  point ;  Meth- 
odism was  demanding  a  higher  type  of  intellectual 
training,  that  she  might  keep  pace  with  other  de- 
nominations and  meet  the  exigencies  of  her  own 
aggressive  policy  ;  a  large  part  of  this  great  work 
was  to  be  carried  forward  in  her  future  history  by 
the  daughters  and  mothers  of  the  church,  perhaps  ; 
here  was  opening  a  door  giving  promise  of  more 
prospective  good  to  the  church  and  glory  to  God 
than  any  other,  and  at  once  it  moulds  and  deter- 
mines his  course,  the  munificent  donation  which 
secured  the  founding  of  "  Davenport  Female  Col- 
lege," was  placed  upon  the  altar,  an  offering  to 
God,  committed  to  the  church,  and  consecrated  by 
earnest  prayer. 

The  naming  of  the  institution  generously  sug- 
gested by  his  co-laborers  in  founding  it,  was  deter- 
mined and  adopted  only  after  earnest  remonstrance 
on  his  part,  which  he  was  finally  persuaded  to  with- 
draw. He  passed  away  in  great  peace,  a  few  years 
since,  mourned  sincerely  by  the  church  and  many 
friends.  His  portrait,  life,  size,  adorns  the  college 
chapel,  and  his  name  is  embalmed  in  the  hearts  and 
memory  of  ail  its  friends. 

In  the  fall  of  1857,  the  stockholders  made  a  formal 
tender  of  the  institution  to  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference, asking  the  appointment  of  a  board  of  trus- 
tees and  a  president.  The  tender  was  promptly  ac- 
cepted, and  Rev.  II.  M.  Mood,  A.  M.,  was  appointed 
President,  with   the  following  board  of  trustees : 


200  The  Centennial  of 

Eev.  A.  M.  Shipp,  Eev.  A.  G.  Stacy,  Eev.  P.  F. 
Kistler,  Rev.  H.  II.  Durant,  Rev.  J.  W.  Kelley, 
Rev.  Fletcher  Smith,  Rev.  J.  S.  Ervin,  John  Ruth- 
erford, Esq.,  Colonel  J.  C.  Harper,  E.  W.  Jones, 
James  Harper,  S.  P.  Dula  and  Azo  Shell,  Esquires. 

President  Mood  repaired,  without  delay,  to  the 
scene  of  duty,  and  entered  vigorously  upon  the  work 
of  preparation  for  opening  the  new  college.  Much, 
it  was  found,  remained  to  be  done,  additional  build- 
ings were  necessary,  the  institution  must  be  fur- 
nished and  equipped,  a  faculty  must  be  organized, 
and  finally  patronage  must  be  secured.  Half  the 
year  was  little  time  enough  for  doing  so  much,  but 
it  was  done,  the  people  and  friends  "had  a  mind  to 
work,"  and  on  the  third  Thursday  in  July,  1858,  the 
President  delivered  his  inaugural  address  in  the  col- 
lege chapel  before  a  large,  enthusiastic  and  intelli- 
gent audience,  and  the  exercises  immediately  began. 

The  beginning  was  not  large,  the  school  was  yet 
somewhat  unknown,  the  point  isolated. 

The  catalogue  published  at  the  end  of  the  first 
scholastic  year,  shows  us  a  list  of  only  fifty-six  pupils. 

As  the  institution  became  known  and  its  peculiar 
advantages  were  recognized  the  pupilage  gradually 
increased  so  that  it  has,  several  times,  been  filled 
up  to  the  full  measure  of  its  capacity. 

The  administration  of  President  Mood  lasted  four 
years,  and  was  able,  popular  and  successful.  In  the 
beginning  of  the  year  1862,  he  resigned,  and  Rev. 
R.  1ST.  Price,  of  the  Holston  Conference,  then  in  the 
Confederate  army,  was  elected  as  his  successor. 
President  Price  remained  but  one  year,  and  was 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  201 

succeeded  by  Rev.  A.  G.  Stacy,  author  of  "  Service 
of  Song,"  now  entered  into  rest.  During  his  admin- 
istration the  war  closed. 

At  the  approach  of  the  Federal  army,  under  Gen- 
eral Stoneman,  not  knowing  what  license  might  be 
allowed  a  reckless  soldiery,  and  feeling  keenly  the 
delicate  responsibility  resting  on  him,  he  disbanded 
the  school,  and  retired  toward  South  Carolina  with 
the  young  ladies  under  his  charge,  which  he  finally 
delivered  safely  into  the  hands  of  their  parents  at 
home. 

Gen.  Stoneman,  on  his  return  from  the  raid  on 
Salisbury,  when  he  came  to  Lenoir,  found  the  col- 
lege premises  unoccupied.  His  soldiers  immediately 
took  possession,  and  for  two  nights  and  a  day  and  a 
half,  carried  on  their  work  of  pillage  and  despoiling. 
The  libraries  were  plundered,  the  furniture  was  bro- 
ken up,  or  given  away  to  those  who  were  base  enough 
to  take  it,  many  of  the  most  costly  and  valuable 
articles  of  the  apparatus  were  either  abstracted  or 
beaten  to  pieces,  the  buildings  were  defaced  and 
abused,  and  the  entire  enclosure  destroyed.  In  a 
word,  the  place  was  left  a  wreck,  despoiled  of  every- 
thing,  except  that  the  buildings  were  not  burned. 

From  the  effects  of  this  calamity,  the  institution 
has  never  yet  fully  recovered.  Its  friends  who  had 
stood  by  it  so  nobly  before,  by  the  war,  were  left 
comparatively  poor,  nevertheless,  with  indomitable 
determination  they  came  forward  again,  and  did 
what  they  could.  It  was  cheaply  furnished,  and 
the  school  was  again  organized,  temporarily  under 
the  management  of  the  Rev.  George  H.  Round. 
26 


202  The  Centennial  of 

In  the  fall  of  1865,  Rev.  J.  R.  Griffith  was  elected 
President,  and  assumed  the  duties  of  the  office  in 
the  beginning  of  the  year  1866.  He  was  succeeded, 
in  1867,  by  Rev.  Samuel  Lander,  A.  M.,  whose  ad- 
ministration lasted  four  years.  In  1870,  the  Gen- 
eral Conference  transferred  that  portion  of  Western 
North  Carolina  hitherto  embraced  by  the  South 
Carolina  Conference  to  the  North  Carolina  Confer- 
ence. This  change  brought  the  institution  at  once 
under  the  care  of  the  North  Carolina  Conference. 
President  Lander,  fearing  this  change  of  Confer- 
ence relations  might  seriously  affect  the  patronage 
of  the  college,  a  large  proportion  of  which  had 
hitherto  been  supplied  by  South  Carolina,  resigned 
the  position  he  had  held  for  four  years,  with  an 
ability  and  success  inferior  to  no  man  who  has  ever 
held  it. 

This  change  of  Conference  relations  and  the  re- 
signation of  a  President  so  acceptable  and  compe- 
tent, together  with  the  depressed  and  unsettled  con- 
dition of  the  country,  cast  a  gloom  over  the  pros- 
pects of  the  college  nrore  discouraging  than  had  ever 
before  rested  upon  it ;  its  best  friends  were  well  nigh 
disheartened,  and  felt  little  encouraged  to  risk 
further  contributions  in  its  behalf.  At  this  crisis 
the  present  incumbent  was  chosen  to  step  into  the 
breach,  and,  if  possible,  recover  the  sinking  ship. 

Looking  upon  her  majestic  proportions,  and  be- 
lieving that  the  storm  was  well  nigh  over,  he  did 
not  believe  her  to  be  in  a  sinking  condition  ;  there 
was  yet  hope  that  she  could  be  borne  up  and  guided 
to  the  port  of  safety,  and  he  did  not  hesitate  there- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  203 

fore  to  go  to  the  wheel.  For  five  years  he  has  labored 
to  do  his  duty,  firmly,  faithfully,  trustingly,  amid 
difficulties  and  embarrassments,  sometimes  almost 
of  an  insuperable  character;  the  institution  has  lived 
and  done  its  work  up  to  date,  and  we  trust,  will 
continue  to  live  on.  In  some  respects  it  presents 
advantages  which  are  peculiar.  The  situation  is 
picturesque  and  lovely  beyond  comparison.  The 
climate,  in  this  region  of  our  State,  is  all  that  can 
be  desired,  its  equability  and  healthfulness  have 
been  demonstrated,  and  through  all  the  history  of 
the  institution,  the  health  of  its  pupilage  has  been 
proverbial  at  home  as  well  as  abroad.  Sickness  is 
exceedingly  rare  and  severe  illness  almost  unknown 
among  the  pupils ;  in  all  the  history  of  the  college, 
we  record  it  with  gratitude  to  God — hut  one  pupil 
has  ever  died — outside  the  family  of  the  President. 

Though  college  life  and  study  are  not  considered 
favorable  to  health,  yet  we  have  here  an  annual 
influx  of  girls  from  more  southerly  latitudes,  espe- 
cially from  malarious  regions,  who  come  here  ane- 
mic, feeble  and  dispirited,  who,  with  little  or  no 
medication,  soon  regain  their  strength  and  bloom, 
and  leave  us  with  perfectly  recuperated  health  and 
spirits. 

The  college  physician,  Dr.  A.  A.  Scroggs,  is  a 
man  of  high  standing  and  long  experience  in  his 
profession,  he  has  been  connected  with  the  faculty 
from  its  foundation.  From  his  position  as  Lecturer 
on  Anatomy,  Physiology  and  Ilygieine,  he  is  ena- 
bled to  give  constant  and  watchful  care  over  the 
health,  exercise,  &c,  of  the  pupils.  Professionally 
his  services  are  seldom  needed. 


204:  The  Centennial  of 

In  tracing  the  history  of  this  school  through  al- 
most twenty  years,  one  is  constantly  struck  with 
the  prominence  of  its  religious  element  and  works, 
all  the  way  along  its  history,  almost  every  session 
we  hnd  allusions  to  revivals  and  conversion,  in  the 
school,  to  the  indications  of  a  pervading  spirit  of 
piety  among  the  young  ladies,  and  often  the  fact  is 
noted,  that  every  single  one  of  its  pupils  were  mem- 
bers of  the  church. 

Let  me  show  you  a  picture : 

It  is  night,  silent  night,  the  large  bell  in  the  town 
has  just  broken  the  stillness  of  the  hour,  it  is  nine 
o'clock,  that  was  the  signal  for  retiring,  a  moment 
ago  all  was  quiet  as  if  the  pulse  of  nature  for  a 
while  stood  still.  Now  there  is  a  little  stir  in  the 
dormitories,  books  are  laid  aside,  the  time  for  toil 
and  study  has  passed,  the  time  for  weary  heads  and 
hearts  to  rest  has  come. 

But  hush !  all  is  quiet  again,  the  lamps  are  still 
burning.  Do  you  hear  that  girlish  voice  ?  Listen 
how  it  pleads  !  That  is  the  voice  of  prayer.  In  that 
room  are  four  beautiful  girls,  they  have  come  from 
different  and  distant  localities,  they  met  here  as 
strangers,  they  are  all  far  from  their  loved  homes. 
One  has  a  father  and  mother,  whom  she  loves.  An- 
other has  only  a  father,  her  mother  is  in  heaven;  a 
third  has  a  widowed  mother,  the  war  took  away  her 
father ;  the  fourth  only  has  a  brother,  the  rest  are  all 
gone.  These  have  covenanted  together  that  they 
will  pray,  that  bell  is  their  signal,  their  heads  never 
press  the  pillow  till  this  duty  is  performed.  Each 
takes  her  turn,  and  leads  the  rest  to  the  throne  of 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  205 

grace.  Tears  like  those  which  angels  weep,  flow 
and  fall  as  they  remember  and  plead  with  God  for 
those  they  love. 

This  is  no  fancy  picture,  but  a  veritable  scrap  of 
history,  a  volume  of  which  might  be  written  and 
much  of  which  it  has  been  our  privilege  to  know. 

Who  shall  estimate  the  value  to  the  world  and  to 
the  church  of  an  institution  of  learning  that  breathes 
such  a  spirit,  that  cultivates  and  fosters  such  piety, 
wherein  God  is  owned,  worshipped  and  praised  in 
the  habitual  aspirations  of  tender  maidenhood;  such 
we  believe  ours  has  ever  been,  and  such  we  devoutly 
pray  that  it  may  ever  remain. 


FOURTH  DAY. 

March  24,  1876. 

The  Centennial  exercises  were  resumed  in  Metro- 
politan Hall,  at  10  o'clock  A.  M.,  Bishop  E.  M. 
Marvin,  D„  D.,  in  the  chair. 

Religious  services  conducted  by  the  Bishop,  as- 
sisted by  Rev.  R.  O.  Burton. 

The  chairman  announced  that  Rev.  J.  T.  Harris 
would  assist  the  secretary. 

The  Bishop  then  introduced  the  Rev.  E.  A.  Yates, 
Presiding  Elder  of  the  Newbern  District,  who  ad- 
dressed the  audience  on 


206  The  Centennial  of 

"the  relation  of  methodism  to  the   origin   and 
progress  of  the  sabbath  school  work." 

Mr.  Yates  said : 

Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen : 

The  general  subject  of  discussion  at  the  celebra- 
tion of  a  centennial  of  Methodism,  in  its  various 
sub-divisions,  necessarily  brings  about  an  impinge- 
ment of  the  several  parts  upon  each  other,  and  leads 
therefore  to  some  re-statement  of  facts.  This,  how- 
ever, is  rather  a  good  feature,  as  it  serves  to  impress 
the  mind  more  deeply  with  both  the  history  and 
philosophy  of  Methodism.  And  the  importance  of 
the  relation  which  the  church  sustains  to  the  Sab- 
bath school  is  of  such  magnitude,  that  it  may  well 
claim  the  privilege  of  touching  a  few  facts  already 
given. 

It  is  almost  a  century — exactly  ninety  years — 
since  the  first  Sabbath  school  was  organized  upon 
this  continent,  and  its  spread  is  simply  wonderful ; 
but  the  great  revival  of  this  interest  in  the  last  few 
years  certainly  marks  an  epoch  in  the  progress  of 
the  work.  The  improvement  in  text-books,  the  pub- 
lication of  papers  suited  to  the  wants  of  children, 
the  improvement  in  Sabbath  school  music,  and  the 
constantly  increasing  number  of  Sabbath  school 
scholars,  indicate  that  the  church  of  Christ  is  alive 
to  this  important  arm  of  the  service. 

There  are  now  over  ten  million  of  Sabbath  school 
scholars  in  this  country  and  in  Europe ;  and  over  five 
million  in  the  United  States.  Adding  the  Northern 


^UH£^7. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  207 

and  Southern  statistics  together,  the  amount  of 
money  raised  last  year  for  carrying  on  the  Sabbath 
schools  in  this  country  was  over  six  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars !  And,  what  is  more,  there  were  in 
these  Sabbath  schools,  about  forty-three  thousand 
children  converted  to  God  !  What  a  galaxy  of  stars 
for  the  crown  of  Jesus ! 

In  North  Carolina  the  number  of  children  in  the 
Sabbath  schools  of  all  denominations  is,  in  round 
numbers,  about  as  follows : 

Methodist,               ....  48,000 

Baptist,            ....  40,000 

Presbyterian,         -  15,000 

Protestant  Episcopal,               -             -  3,000 

All  others,              ...            -  20,000 


Total, 126,000 

The  Methodist  Sabbath  schools  in  the  State  have 
about  forty-five  thousand  volumes  in  library,  valued 
at  ten  thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 

There  are  white  children  in  the  State,  about  two 
hundred  thousand  ;  leaving  seventy-four  thousand 
wholly  without  Sabbath  school  instruction.  Here 
is  a  field  already  white  to  the  harvest,  inviting 
God's  people  to  the  labor  of  saving  souls  and  the 
reward  of  shining  as  the  stars  forever ! 

The  Methodist  Church  in  the  United  States  em- 
braces within  her  Sabbath  schools  about  two  mil- 
lions ;  being  two-fifths  of  the  whole  number  of  child- 
ren in  the  Sabbath  schools  of  all  denominations! 
We  make  this  statement,  not  so  much  to  boast,  as  to 
indicate  in  our  system  the  adaptability  of  means  to 


208  The  Centennial,  of 

an  end,  bearing  on  what  we  shall  have  to  say  pre- 
sently. And  it  must  be  stated  in  this  connection 
also,  that  Bishop  Asbury — that  pioneer  Bishop  of 
American  Methodism — established,  in  1786,  in  Han- 
over county,  Virginia,  the  first  Sabbath  school  ever 
established  upon  the  American  continent.  It  was 
five  years  after  this,  1791,  that  the  good  Bishop 
White,  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  began  a 
Sabbath  school  in  Philadelphia.  From  these  springs 
the  stream  has  widened,  and  deepened,  and  swept 
onward,  until  it  has  borne  upon  its  bosom  the  bless- 
ing of  heaven  to  almost  every  land.  The  American 
Sabbath  school  system — the  religious  features  of 
which  diiferentiate  it  from  that  of  the  old  world — 
has  been  planted  in  Europe  within  a  few  years,  and 
has  now  taken  root  all  over  the  continent.  In  Spain 
and  France,  however,  it  meets  with  the  most  intense 
opposition  from  Romanists  and  Infidels ;  and  the 
Priests  who  pretend  to  hold  Sabbath  schools,  of 
course,  carefully  exclude  the  Bible.  Fourteen  years 
ago  there  was  not  a  Sabbath  school  in  Germany. 
Now  there  are  one  hundred  and  fifty  schools,  four 
thousand  teachers,  and  eighty  thousand  scholars  ! 
And  these  schools  are  doing  a  great  deal  to  break 
down  German  infidelity. 

It  must  be  remarked  in  this  connection  also,  that 
to  Bishop  Asbury  belongs  the  honor  of  establishing 
free  Sunday  schools  ;  for  right  here  upon  American 
soil  that  holy  man  inaugurated  the  plan  of  gratui- 
tous instruction,  long  before  the  present  century, 
and  long  before  its  adoption  in  Europe.  And  in 
the  minutes  of  Conference   it  was  by  him  enjoined 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  209 

upon  all  the  preachers  to  establish,  wherever  ten 
children  could  be  gathered  together,  free  Sabbath 
school  instruction.  So  that  Methodism,  from  the 
beginning,  took  the  Sabbath  school  by  the  hand ; 
and  who  wonders  at  its  success,  led  by  the  now 
glorified  Asbury !  What  a  heaven-sent  power  was 
that  first  American  Methodist  Bishop !  He  was, 
himself,  bishop,  itinerant  preacher,  missionary,  Sab- 
y  bath  school  teacher,  class-leader,  and  colporteur.  It 
was  said  by  a  writer  of  the  present  century,  that 
"  the  grass  never  grew  under  the  feet  of  Atilla ;" 
nor  did  it  grow  under  the  feet  of  Asbury ;  for  he 
went  about,  doing  good.  Of  him  it  may  be  said,  as 
David  said  of  the  sun,  changing  the  phraseology  a 
little  and  giving  it  a  spiritual  signification  :  His  go- 
ing forth  was  from  the  heaven,  and  his  circuit  unto 
the  ends  of  all  these  lands.  He  died  about  twenty 
miles  from  Fredericksburg,  Virginia,  in  1816. 
Being  too  sick  to  pursue  his  journey,  he  stopped  at 
a  friend's  house ;  and,  on  Sabbath  morning,  while 
conducting  family  worship,  his  head  fell  back,  and 
not  long  thereafter  he  expired.  Blessed  man  !  well 
did  heaven  select  a  vernal  Sabbath  for  your  journey 
home ;  and  well  did  Virginia's  genial  southern  land 
open  her  bosom  and  take  you  to  her  breast !  Rest ! 
ashes  of  the  sainted  dead,  rest!  till  the  trump  of 
God  shall  summon  you  to  wear  a  crown  and  to 
wave  a  palm ! 

The  magnitude  of  the  importance  of  the  Sabbath 

school  work  itself,  very  greatly  enhances  the  value 

of  the  relation  which  Methodism  sustains  to  it.     It 

may  be  safely  affirmed  that  the  church  has  no  inter- 

27 


210  The  Centennial  of 

est  of  greater  importance,  nor  one  which  lays  a 
more  jnst  claim  upon  her  intellect,  heart  and  purse 
than  this.  It  is  the  nursery  of  the  church,  where 
divine  truth  gets  the  start  of  the  spontaneous  growth 
of  human  depravity;  and,  where  the  "sincere  milk 
of  the  word  "  nurishes  and  strengthens  the  salva- 
tion of  the  soul  by  the.  powers  of  the  world  to  come. 
The  Sabbath  school  is  the  drill -room  of  Christ's 
army,  where  there  is  the  constant  practice  necessary 
for  the  active  warfare  of  a  life  of  righteousness. 
And  the  church  must,  to  a  great  extent,  rely  upon 
this  institution  for  her  most  valliant  and  heroic  war- 
riors— her  most  intelligent  and  effective  member- 
ship. Indeed,  it  may  be  doubted  whether  a  church 
in  this  day  can  be  efficient  in  the  accomplishment  of 
her  great  mission,  without  the  force  supplied  by 
organized,  systematic  training  of  youth.  And  we 
think  we  may  here  say,  that  next  to  the  proclama- 
tion of  Christ  Jesus  from  the  pulpit,  the  Sabbath 
school  furnishes  the  best  antidote  for  the  soul-pois- 
ons of  Romanism,  and  all  the  varied  forms  of  home 
and  transatlantic  infidelity,  to  be  found  in  all  the 
tactical  remedies  of  Christianity.  The  deadly  poison 
of  foreign  scepticism  that  is  being  annually  poured 
in  widening  streams  upon  our  shores,  may  well 
startle  the  thoughtful  christian,  and  cause  him  to 
cry :  Where,  in  heaven's  name,  is  the  remedy  for 
this  sickening  effluvium  from  the  body  of  death  ? 
And  we  hesitate  not  to  say — and  to  say  with  all 
the  emphasis  that  belongs  to  truth — that  the  Sab- 
bath school  is  that  remedy.  "  The  religion  of  Jesus," 
said  a  noted  infidel,  "  is  the  worst  that  ever  cursed 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  211 

the  world,  but  these  Sabbath  schools  give  me  most 
trouble — I  am  afraid  of  them  "  !  And  his  fears  were 
certainly  well-founded.  A  French  infidel  remarked, 
recently,  that  if  he  had  all  the  French  children  until 
they  were  ten  years  old,  he  would  make  the  nation 
infidel !  The  philosophy  of  this  is  plain.  We  have 
books  that  furnish,  scientifically  and  philosophically, 
a  complete  refutation  of  all  the  fallacies  of  infidel- 
ity; but  these  are  almost  wholly  above  the  compre- 
hension of  the  million  /  while  the  deadly  quibbles 
of  the  Spencers,  Huxleys,  Paynes  and  Proctors,  are 
blown,  flush  as  May,  like  a  red-hot  blast  from  the 
region  of  moral  death,  upon  the  youth  of  our  land  ! 
But  the  Sabbath  school,  well-appointed  and  directed 
to  its  proper  object,  puts  a  constant  stream  from 
the  river  of  life  upon  these  fires  of  perdition,  that 
must  ultimately  smother  them  back  to  their  source. 
In  the  light  of  this  statement,  then,  the  question 
becomes  interesting  as  to  the  relationship  between 
Methodism  and  the  Sabbath  school  work.  And  the 
interest  will  be  still  further  enhanced  by  even  a 
bird's  eye  view  of  Methodism  as  an  element  of  relig- 
ious progress.  The  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
upon  this  continent,  had  the  advantage  of  Meth- 
odism, as  to  time,  one  hundred  and  fifty-nine  years  ; 
Congregationalism,  one  hundred  and  forty-seven 
years ;  Presbyterianism,  sixty-six  years ;  and  the 
Baptists,  one  hundred  and  twenty-seven  years ;  and 
yet,  says  a  modern  historian,  "  Greater  advancement 
has  been  made  in  spreading  the  religion  of  Christ 
during  the  last  one  hundred  years,  than  in  any  two 
hundred  and  fifty  years  that  preceded  it  "  !     As  to 


212  The  Centennial  of 

what  Methodism  had  to  do  with  this  remarkable 
fact  we  leave  the  intelligent  hearer  to  judge.  A 
polished  writer  of  the  present  decade  says  that 
"  Methodism  is  the  greatest  fact  in  the  history  of 
the  church  ;"  and  one  of  the  foremost  scholars  of  the 
age  pronounces  her  formulary  of  doctrines  the  best, 
because  the  newest  and  most  perfect  form,  of  all 
that  have  preceded  it.  She  adopts  nothing  because 
it  is  new;  nor  discards  anything  because  it  is  old. 
But,  like  a  young  giantess,  she  stands  in  the  midst 
of  the  moving  ages,  with  one  hand  upon  the  good 
of  the  present,  and  the  other  forward  upon  the  ele- 
ments of  spiritual  progress,  seeks  by  all  right  means 
to  build  up  the  kingdom  of  God  amongst  men. 
Her  greatness  and  power  are  acknowledged,  and  the 
beauty  of  her  system  admired,  by  sage,  philosopher 
and  statesman.  No  accessible  land  is  so  poor  as  not 
to  be  visited  by  the  riches  of  her  grace  ;  and  no  place 
so  destitute  of  knowledge,  as  to  be  deemed  unworthy 
of  the  bestowal  of  her  intelligence.  Having  her  be- 
o-innino;  in  one  of  the  oldest  and  best  colleges  in  the 
world,  she  knows  how  to  appreciate  learning,  and 
lays  under  contribution  both  science  and  philosophy 
and  makes  them  subsidiary  to  her  great  work.  She 
counts  her  membership  by  millions,  and  her  re- 
sources by  tens  of  millions.  Her  converts  are  found 
in  almost  every  land,  and  in  her  matchless  songs  of 
praise  sweet  incense  floats  to  heaven  upon  every 
breeze  that  sweeps  the  earth.  She  lifts  redemption's 
standard  upon  every  shore,  and  inscribes  upon  its 
flowing  folds  :  "  Whosoever  will  let  him  take  the 
water  of  life  freely." 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  213 

Now,  standing  in  the  presence  of  these  two  tre- 
mendous forces  of  religions  progress,  the  question 
presses  :  What  are  their  relations  to  each  other  ? 
We  answer,  then,  first,  that  so  far  as  we  have  been 
able  to  trace  the  records  of  history,  Methodism,  \ 
stands  related  to  the  Sabbath  School  as  its  Mother. 
Let  us  not  be  startled  by  the  boldness  of  the  asser- 
tion. If  it  be  true,  the  logic  of  historical  facts  will 
demonstrate  it;  if  not,  let  any  one  show  the  con- 
trary, and  we  are  open  to  instruction.  And  we 
trust  that  this  will  not  be  regarded  as  the  outgrowth 
uf  ecclesiastical  egotism  ;  for  we  have  no  desire  to  in- 
dulge in  empty  boasting.  Our  purpose  is  to  assist 
in  fixing  the  certitude  of  history  upon  this  point. 
Other  denominations  have  made  profitable  use  of 
the  Sabbath  school,  and  we  may  concede  to  them 
zeal  according  to  knowledge,  and  even  grant  that 
they  have  wisely  elaborated  and  systematised  the 
work.  But  the  historical  fact  stands  above  all  this, 
that  the  Sabbath  school  is  really  the  child  of  Meth- 
odism. No  one  who  has  fairly  investigated  the 
subject  can  doubt  that  Bishop  Asbury  was  the 
father  of  the  American  Sabbath  school.  And 
when  we  turn  to  its  English  origin,  this  is  the  fact : 
In  a  small  town  in  England,  in  the  year  1767,  a 
Methodist  young  lady — Miss  Hannah  Ball — organ- 
ized and  taught  a  Sabbath  school.  And  thus  she 
stands,  the  representative  of  her  sex,  on  history's 
page  as  the  first  in  this  work.  Who  will  write  the 
history  of  the  labors  and  triumphs  for  Jesus  of  the 
women  of  the  church  ?  Hannah  Ball  was  a  sweet 
spirit ;  modest,  thoughtful  and  energetic.     She  was 


214  The  Centennial  of 

converted  among  the  Methodists ;  and  so  earnest 
was  her  zeal,  and  so  painful  to  her  loving  heart  was 
the  sight  of  so  many  precious  children  growing  up 
in  ignorance  and  sin,  that,  fearless  of,  and  scorning, 
the  vicious  conventionalities  of  a  pseudo-refine- 
ment, that  so  often  trammel  and  embarrass  the  out- 
goings of  eternal  truth,  she  went  out  into  the  bye- 
ways  of  sin  and  gathered  children  to  her  school,  and 
sheaves  into  the  garner  of  God  !  Precious  woman  ! 
She  rests  from  her  labors,  but  her  worlds  follow  her! 
The  time  will  come  when  the  most  costly  mauso- 
leum ever  erected  by  human  hands  shall  moulder 
into  dust,  and  the  place  where  it  stood  be  forever 
unknown  !  The  time  will  come  when  the  Egyp- 
tian Pyramids,  under  the  slacking  forces  of  time, 
shall  disintegrate  and  crumble  to  their  fall,  and 
even  the  spot  where  they  lifted  their  giant  forms 
and  wrecked  the  fleecy  clouds  that  drifted  upon 
their  rocky  summits,  be  everlastingly  forgotten  ! 
But  the  monument  of  Hannah  Ball,  constituted  as 
it  is,  of  a  constantly  increasing  aggregation  of  spir- 
itual elements,  shall  continue  to  rise  until  its  head, 
invisible  to  earth,  shall  break  through  the  pave- 
ments of  the  heavenly  world,  and  the  column, 
shooting  upward,  be  a  signal-point  for  heaven's 
rejoicings,  as  it  catches  upon  its  glorious  apex  the 
sunlight  poured  forever  upon  the  city  of  God  ! 

The  school  taught  by  Miss  Ball  was  organized 
fourteen  years  before  Robert  Raikes  established  his 
at  Gloucester.  And  instead  of  Raikes  deserving  the 
honor  conferred  upon  him  by  so  many  modern  wri- 
ters, as  the  first  who   established  Sabbath   schools, 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  215 

the  historical  fact  is,  that  the  idea  was  first  sug- 
gested to  him  by  a  Methodist  lady  named  Sophia 
Cooke.  This  woman,  we  are  told,  actually  marched 
her  little  band  of  ragged  children  to  the  church, 
where  Raikes  organized  the  school.  This  was  in 
the  city  of  Gloucester,  1781,  and  Raikes  immedi- 
ately published  in  a  newspaper,  of  which  he  was 
editor,  that  such  an  institution  had  been  started, 
and  recommended  their  establishment  throughout 
the  Kingdom.  In  a  few  years  there  were  two 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  children  in  Sabbath 
schools,  and  Raikes  to  this  day  gets  all  the  credit. 
Poor  Hannah  Ball !  Poor  Sophia  Cooke !  All 
this  comes,  we  would  believe,  not  so  much  from 
being  a  woman,  as  from  not  owning  a  newspaper. 
There  is  no  authentic  history  of  a  Sabbath  school 
for  ■religious  instruction,  prior  to  that  of  Miss  Ball, 
and  the  pleasant  fact  quadrates  itself  fairly  in  front 
of  us,  that  the  great  institution  of  the  Sabbath 
school  is  the  outcome  of  woman's  heart  and  intel- 
lect under  the  influence  of  Methodistic  religion. 
And  if  Methodism  be  the  greatest  fact  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  church,  as  a  modern  historian  declares, 
then  truth  and  justice  claim  a  page  of  history  to 
say,  that  the  "  greatest  fact  in  the  history  of  the 
church  "  has  produced  from  the  rich  soul-mine  of 
the  brightest  ornaments  of  her  doctrines,  the  most 
brilliant  jewel  that  shines  in  the  crown  of  Zion's 
King. 

Here,  then,  the  right  is  entailed  upon  woman  to 
organize  and  teach  the  Sabbath  school.  And 
most  heartily  do  we  exhort  them  to  show    them- 


216  The  Centennial  of 

selves  worthy  to  be  the  successors  of  Hannah  Ball 
and  Sophia  Cooke.  It  is  woman's  right,  as  well  as 
duty  and  privilege,  to  train  the  future  men  and 
women  of  the  world.  We  hear  a  great  deal  in  this 
day  of  woman's  rights.  Surely,  woman  has  rights, 
but  she  has  many  more  wrongs.  And  the  best 
way  to  correct  her  wrongs  is  to  correct  her  rights. 
The  tremendous  causes  of  her  wrongs  are  igno- 
rance, idleness  and  irreligion.  The  true  means  ol 
securing  her  rights  are  home  and  Sabbath  school 
training  of  the  children,  moral  discipline  and  the 
religion  of  Jesus.  Train  the  boys  right  and  the 
women  will  have  few  wrongs.  The  great  and  good 
men  of  the  past  and  present,  both  in  Church  and 
State — the  women,  the  Susanna  Wesleys,  Hannah 
Balls,  Sophia  Cookes,  Elizabeth  Asburys,  Caroline 
Ilerschels  and  Martha  Washingtons — renowned  as 
mothers  and  as  teachers — all  attest,  by  theory  and 
practice,  by  precept  and  example,  by  life  and  death, 
that  the  religious  training  of  the  boys  is  the  best 
palladium  of  woman's  rights.  "  She  who  rocks  the 
cradle,  rocks  the  world,"  and  well  for  her  and  the 
vjorld  if  she  rocks  with  the  hand  of  virtue  and  re- 
ligion. Here,  in  the  home  circle  and  in  the  Sab- 
bath school,  the  gentle  hand  and  loving  heart  of 
woman  plant  principles  that  give  wholesome  or- 
ganic law  to  nations,  shape  a  blessed  destiny  for 
empires,  and  crowd  the  gates  of  glory  with  rejoicing 
spirits  ;  or,  if  directed  by  evil,  she  sows  dragon- 
teeth  that  spring  into  armed  forces,  drive  govern- 
ments to  ruin,  and  fill  with  hopeless  wretches  the 
dungeons  of  the  lost. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  217 

Our  second  proposition  is,  that  Methodism,  inker 
revival  system,  is  closely  related  to  the  origin  and, 
progress  of  the  Sabbath  school  work.  Methodism  is, 
itself,  a  revival.  Its  birth  was  in  a  revival.  When 
Mr.  Wesley  and  his  friends  were  struggling  after 
Christ,  and  grasping  the  elements  of  a  higher  spir- 
itual life,  Methodism  was  born ;  and  almost  its  first 
cry  was,  conscious  regeneration  by  the  blood  of 
Jesus,  and  witness  of  the  spirit.  Methodism  mourns 
without  revival !  And  well  she  may  !  for  revival  is 
her  blood,  and  "  the  life  is  in  the  blood."  Without 
it  she  may  be,  Samsonlike,  comely  in  outward 
form ;  but  thus  shorn  of  her  strength,  she  is  an  in- 
viting prey  to  her  enemies. 

Methodism,  then,  being  a  revival;  and  the  Sab- 
bath school  having  been  shown  to  be  the  outgrowth 
of  Methodism  ;  the  plain  truth  naturally  follows, 
that  the  two  are  not  only  cognate  in  their  princi- 
ples of  life,  but  in  very  many  respects  most  inti- 
mately co-related.  And  this  fact  is  singularly  true 
even  upon  the  acceptance  of  the  Raikes  theory ; , 
for  it  can  be  easily  shown  that,  while  Eaikes  was 
not  nominally  a  Methodist,  he  was  largely  under 
Methodist  influence.  And  the  truth  of  this  general 
proposition  will  readily  appear,  not  only  by  tracing 
the  origin  of  the  Sabbath  school  to  the  revival  under 
the  Wesleys,  but  also  by  examining  some  of  the 
facts  that  mark  the  progress  of  the  work  in  the  pre- 
sent day.  Take  any  given  Sabbath  school,  in  towrn 
or  country,  and  it  will  be  found  to  have  had  its 
origin  in  a  religious  revival.  Some  self-sacrificing 
minister  of  Christ  goes  into  a  destitute  region  and 
28 


218  The  Centennial  of 

preaches  Jesus  ;  the  Holy  Spirit  descends,  the  word 
is  blessed,  sinners  are. converted,  and  a  church  is 
organized  ;  and  the  very  next  thing  is,  some  Han- 
nah Ball  or  Hubert  Raikes  begins  a  Sabbath  school ! 
And  thus  the  word  of  God,  having  life  in  itself  and 
bearing  seed  after  its  Mnd,  producing  fruit  unto 
holiness  and  eternal  life  in  the  end,  is  planted 
amongst  men.  And  when  an  organized  church 
loses  its  revival  spirit,  and  the  Sabbath  school  main- 
tains only  a  sickly  existence,  a  revival  of  religion 
in  that  church  is  sure  to  produce  a  revival  of  the 
school.  And  we  may  trace  this  relationship  still 
further  :  When  a  Sabbath  school  is  organized  in  a 
place  where  apparently  there  had  been  no  revival 
of  religion,  it  will  be  found  upon  investigation,  that 
the  origin  of  that  particular  school  was  due  to  the 
effort  of  some  woman  or  man  whose  heart  had  been 
in  some  providential  'way  warmed  into  a  new  life. 
And  still  further:  This  last  school,  having  its 
origin  in  some  single  heart  under  the  force  of  relig- 
ious revival,  is  itself  in  many  instances  the  begin- 
ning of  a  revival  that  results  in  an  organized  church. 
And  thus  on :  Religious  revival  produces  Sabbath 
school,  and  Sabbath  school  produces  revival;  like  a 
stalk  of  wheat  producing  a  grain,  and  this  in  turn 
producing  another  stalk,  and  this  more  grain,  until 
the  bread  of  life  is  multiplied  to  starving  thousands ; 
and  the  forces  of  heaven  are  moving  the  kingdoms 
of  earth  to  our  Lord  and  His  Christ !  Moreover, 
sweeping  a  wider  range  of  influence:  The  Sabbath 
school,  like  a  dutiful  child,  has  long  been  able  to 
help,  and  does  help,  her  mother.     How  many  mill- 


Methodism  in  Nokth  Carolina.  219 

Isters  of  Christ  have  gone  out  from  the  Sabbath 
school  to  preach  the  salvation  of  God,  and  carrying; 
with  them  a  knowledge  of  the  catechisms  and  Sab- 
bath school  commentaries,  as  in  the  main  the  text- 
books of  their  theological  seminary !  And  how 
true  it  is,  that  many  a  young  man  has  gone  upon 
his  first  circuit  to  preach  the  truth  of  eternal  life  to 
dying  men,  and  has  carried  the  flaming  cross  of  the 
world's  Redeemer  in  front  of  the  sacramental  host 
of  God's  elect,  and  borne  it  through  many  a  hard- 
fought  field  to  victory,  whose  only  theological  train- 
ing, in  the  start,  was  graduation  from  a  Sabbath 
school ! 

Our  third  proposition  is,  that  Methodism,  in  her 
doctrine  of  heart-felt,  conscious  conversion  to  God, 
is  intimately  related  to  the  true  progress  of  Sabbath 
school  work.  To  show  this  relation,  let  us  first  ob- 
serve, that  when  Methodism  began  her  unparalleled 
career,  this  conscious,  heart-felt  conversion  was  al- 
most, if  not  wholly,  one  of  her  distinctive  doctrines. 
A  few  good  men  here  and  there,  it  is  true,  preached, 
and  were  themselves  witnesses  of,  the  truth  ;  but 
the  churches  were  all,  more  or  less,  in  theory  and 
practice,  destitute  of  this  saving  power  of  the  gos- 
pel ;  and  between  the  upper  and  nether  mill-stones 
of  the  doctrines  of  Augustine  and  the  philosophy  of 
Pithagoras,  the  truth  was  well-nigh  ground  to  death. 
It  was  only  after  Wesley  and  his  coadjutors  began 
to  "  turn  the  world  upside  down,"  by  preaching  re- 
pentance, faith  in  Christ,  the  new  birth,  holiness  of 
life,  and  witness  of  the  spirit,  that  other  churches 
were  aroused  from  their  sleep  and  made  to  reflect. 


220  The  Centennial  of 

And,  indeed,  after  the  lapse  of  one  hundred  and 
thirty  years,  this  doctrine,  practically,  is  yet  almost 
a  distinctive  one  of  Methodism.  She  has  never  sub- 
scribed to  the  fatal  doctrine  of  the  Greek  philoso- 
phy, that  the  disturbance  of  the  human  soul  is  due 
simply  to  a  want  of  harmony  between  the  inner 
world  of  man  and  the  outer  world  of  matter — be- 
tween the  cosmos  and  the  microcosmos — and  offer- 
ing education  and  reflection  as  the  great  restora- 
tives. She  recognizes  sin  against  God  as  the  cause 
of  all  trouble  and  death,  and  she  discards  all  merely 
formal,  external  and  educational  remedies  as  falling 
short  of  the  disease — good  and  beautiful  in  their 
place,  but  as  impotent  for  producing  spiritual  life 
as  the  evergreen  thrown  in  the  grave  of  the  loved 
one,  or  the  play  of  moon-beams  upon  the  tomb- 
stones of  the  dead  !  The  burden  of  her  pulpit  has 
been,  and  is  yet,  conscious,  heart-felt  conversion  of 
the  soul !  Her  altars  smoke  with  the  sacrifice  of 
the  humble  and  contrite  heart ;  and  her  lyric  poetry 
o-ives  expression  to  the  joys  of  a  soul  regenerated  by 
the  power  of  the  living  spirit !  She  still  maintains 
her  hold  upon  this  doctrine;  and  may  she  never  let 
it  o-o  until  all  people  shall  be  filled  with  the  glad- 
ness of  salvation,  and  the  whole  church   be  able  to 

sing, 

"We  who  in  Christ  believe, 

That  He  for  us  hath  died, 

We  all  His  unknown  peace  receive, 

And  feel  His  blood  applied. 

Exults  our  rising  soul, 

Disburdened  of  her  load, 
And  swells  unutterably  full, 

Of  glory  and  of  God." 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  22  L 

Now,  the  relation  which  Methodism  in  this  doc- 
trine sustains  to  the  Sabbath  school,  will  be  clearly 
disclosed  by  an  inquiry  as  to  what  constitutes  the 
object  of  Sabbath  school  teaching.  Upon  this  sub- 
ject there  may  be  a  variety  of  opinion,  and  there 
certainly  is  a  variety  of  practice.  But  there  is  just 
one  object  before  the  Sabbath  school — -one  only  ob- 
jective point  upon  which  all  rays  of"  light  must 
converge — one  ultimate  end  to  be  reached,  and  one 
achievement  to  be  steadily  looked  to  and  worked 
for,  and  besides  which  no  other  is  worthy  to  be 
named.  Let  us  for  a  few  moments  hold  our  minds 
upon  this  important  point  by  negative,  statement. 

First,  then,  the  object  of  Sabbath  school  teach- 
ing is  not  to  furnish  a  place  where,  on  Sabbath, 
children  may  be  gathered  together  to  preserve  that 
holy  day  from  dessecration:  This  seems  to  have 
been  the  uppermost  idea  with  Robert  Raikes — -to 
take  care  of  the  Sabbath,  rather  than  the  children. 
This  of  course  was  to  reverse  the  divine  order,  and 
set  the  cone  upon  its  apex.  The  sanctity  and  glory 
of  the  Sabbath  cannot  be  secured  by  separating 
from  it  those  who  are  disposed  to  violate  it.  The 
proper  order  of  securing  harmony  between  heaven 
and  earth  in  the  matter  of  the  Sabbath  is,  not  to  shut 
the  children  or  men  up  from  the  Sabbath,  but  to 
rightly  adjust  the  soul  to  the  divine  truth  as  it  is 
expressed  in  the  command  to  keep  the  Sabbath 
holy.  In  other  words,  keeping  the  Sabbath,  like 
all  other  moral  good,  whether  mandatory  or  philos- 
ophical, is  not  produced  by  external  compulsion^ 
but  by  force  applied  upon  the  principles  of  a  true 


222  The  Centennial  of 

psychology.  If  the  soul  is  taken  care  of  the  Sab- 
bath will  take  care  of  itself.  Get  the  soul  cured  of 
sin  and  the  Sabbath  is  its  food  and  delight.  Neither 
men,  nor  children,  nor  angels,  are  made  holy  by 
shutting  them  up.  We  grant  that  in  the  school 
room  children  are  withdrawn  from  the  temptation 
to  out-door  sports,  but  this  is  profitably  true  only  so 
far  forth  as  it  assumes  that  something  else  is  secured 
in  the  Sabbath  school,  and  that  "something  else" 
is  just  the  thing  here  desiderated.  It  must  be  re- 
membered that  there  could  be  no  holiness,  if  all 
attractive  evil  were  removed  from  the  world,  for 
holiness  is  the  result  of  resistance  to  sin  and  obe- 
dience to  law.  The  divine  process  of  moral  purifi- 
cation is  to  begin  in  the  soul  and  work  outivard. 
For  it  is  plain,  under  the  present  order  of  things, 
that  evil  objectively,  oannot  be  removed  from  the 
world  until  God  comes  in  final  judgment  to  cast 
death  and  hell  into  the  lake.  By  grace  we  can 
compel  evil  to  shift  its  place  and  lift  its  shadows 
from  the  soul.  We  can  so  destroy,  not  evil  objec- 
tively, but  subjectively,  in  us,  the  appetency  to  sin, 
as  to  be  able  to  say,  with  some  modification  of  its 
import,  whatever  the  temptation  may  be,  "  Satan 
cometh  and  hath  nothing  in  me." 

It  is  not  by  confinement  of  children  in  school, 
then,  that  secures  them  from  violating  the  Sabbath. 
If  God's  order  of  securing  holiness  had  been  this, 
He  might  have  secured  it  more  abundantly  by  cre- 
ating the  Sabbath  and  no  children,  or  children  and 
no  Sabbath,  or  by  creating  neither.  And  then,  in 
either  case,  the     thing  secured  would  have   been 


Methodism  in  .North  Carolina.  223 

abundant,  but  it  would  have  been  an  abundance  of 
nothing  ! 

The  object  of  the  Sabbath  school,  then,  is  not  to 
keep  the  Sabbath  holy  by  confining  the  children  in 
the  school  room. 

Now,  is  the  object  of  Sabbath  school  teaching 
merely  to  instruct  children  in  music  and  teach  them 
to  sing.  This  is  good  in  its  place,  and  is  doubtless 
a  means  to  the  great  end.  The  ability  to  sing  is 
part  of  an  education  for  heaven,  and  if  a  singer 
goes  to  hell  his  occupation  will  be  gone.  Neither 
Dante  nor  Milton  invest  any  lost  soul  Avith  a  talent 
for  music,  and  what  is  more,  the  Bible  says  nothing 
of  singing  in  the  lost  world,  while  it  states  in  un- 
mistakable language,  that  the  redeemed  who  walk 
with  Christ  in  white,  "  sing  the  song  of  Moses  and 
the  Lamb."  And  it  may  be  something  even  to  re- 
mind those  in  the  Sabbath  school  who  delight  in 
new  music,  that  the  song  of  heaven  is  declared  to 
be  new — "  they  sing  the  new  song."  And  that 
song,  no  doubt,  is  the  most  glorious  that  swells  over 
the  hill  tops  of  heaven — not  glorious  so  much  from 
its  newness  as  from  its  richness.  Its  music,  both  in 
dynamical  and  rhythmical  arrangement,  is  so  in- 
finite in  the  variety  of  its  sweetness,  that  one  strain, 
such  as  floats  upon  the  air  of  heaven,  would  per- 
haps extinguish  life  if  permitted  to  fall  on  mortal 
ear.  And  still  further  upon  this  point :  We  are 
fully  persuaded  that  many  a  soul,  assisted  by  some 
sweet  song  of  Zion,  has  been  able  to  grasp  by  faith 
the  elements  of  a  new  life.  Those  Israelitish  captives 
who  hung  their  harps  upon  the  willows  by  the  riv- 


224  The  Centennial  of 

ers  of  Babylon,  and  refused,  when  asked,  to  sing 
the  Lord's  song,  were  surely  ignorant  of  the  force 
of  truth  when  expressed  in  music.  It  is  our  delib 
erate  judgment  that  they  ought  to  have  sung  ! — 
sung  the  Lord's  song  in  a  strange  land ! — sung  it 
till  the  heavens  gave  back  the  echo! — sung  it  till 
they  woke  the  sleeping  Babjdonish  conscience,  and 
sprung  the  moral  desert  into  the  blosom  of  a  glo- 
rious fruitage.  Let  the  music  and  singing  in  the 
Sabbath  school,  then,  go  on,  for  it  is  good  and  right 
in  its  place,  but  not  as  the  chief  end  of  the  work. 

What,  then,  is  this  all-important  object?  It  is  a 
plain  and  simple  truth  that  lies  right  in  the  path- 
way of  our  thought.  A  huge  column  of  granite 
may  be  a  common  thing,  and  lay  its  head  where 
our  feet  may  touch  it  as  we  walk  ;  but  far  below  it 
constitutes  part  of  the  foundations  of  earth,  and 
gives  support  and  strength  to  nature's  adjacent 
frame-work.  So  with  this  grand  object  of  Sabbath 
school  work.  It  may  be  regarded  as  a  common- 
place thing,  and  receive  not  the  attention  due  it ; 
but  far  beneath  all  momentary  good,  it  swells  in 
importance  until  it  dips  to  the  very  centre  of  the 
atonement !  And  let  us  state  it  in  plain  terms  :  It 
is  the  conversion  and  regeneration  of  the  soul.  This 
is  the  object — the  ultimate  object — the  glorious  ob- 
ject, of  all  Sabbath  school  teaching.  And  it  is 
worth  remembering  in  this  connection,  that  in  that 
first  Sabbath  school  established  by  Bishop  Asbury 
in  Virginia,  there  was  converted  a  young  man 
John  Charleston,  who  afterwards  became  a  minister 
of  the  gospel !     What  a  widening  circle  of  influence 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  225 

has  been  going  on  ever  since,  from  that  first  school 
and  that  one  conversion  !  How  suggestive,  also,  as 
to  the  magnitude  of  results  from  what  human  wis- 
dom regards  as  small  beginnings!  But  so  it  is. 
When  God  builds  a  material  world,  He  puts  up  but 
little  scaffolding.  And  so  with  a  moral  world  :  He 
touches  a  small  spring  and  gives  both  the  centri- 
petal and  centrifugal  forces  to  a  shining  orb  that 
swings  its  everlasting  circle  around  the  sun  of  right- 
eousness. 

Now,  we  have  shown  this  doctrine  of  conscious 
conversion  to  be  almost,  if  not  quite,  a  distinctive 
one  of  Methodism.  She  labors  for  this.  All  her 
forces  gather  here.  It  is  the  heliocentric  object  of 
her  systematic  effort.  And  in  this  she  stands  inti- 
mately and  necessarily  connected  with  the  true 
Sabbath  school.  The  Sabbath  school  teacher  must 
work  and  look  for  conversion  as  the  crowning  tri- 
umph of  his  labor.  Religious  literature  and  sacred 
music  are  good  as  means  to  an  end ;  but  poor — ex- 
ceedingly poor — if  substituted  for  the  end  itself. 
Gold-miners,  in  pursuit  of  the  precious  metal,  sink 
a  shaft  down  through  clay,  and  sand,  and  rock — 
down  through  slate,  and  coal,  and  granite.  These 
are  all  good  in  their  place ;  but  they  push  on  for 
the  gold.  Here  they  find  a  carbuncle,  or  there  a 
sapphire — settings  for  the  metal  if  they  reach  it — 
but  they  dig  on  for  the  gold.  So  with  Sabbath 
school  gold-miners.  Down  through  ignorance  and 
impatience — down  through  disobedience  and  self- 
will — down  through  sensual  appetite  and  all  human 
depravity,  they  must  sink  the  shaft  of  divine  truth, 
29 


226  The  Centennial  of 

until  they  reach  the  soul  and  refine  it  into  the  image 
of  Christ.  Let  literature,  music  and  celebrations, 
serve  as  means  to  this  end;  but  let  them  not  receive 
so  much  attention  as  to  eclipse  the  star  that  should 
guide  the  teacher  to  his  chief  treasure.  Conversion 
of  the  soul,  then,  is  the  object,  the  great  object,  of 
Methodist  labor  and  Sabbath  school  teaching. 

Our  fourth  proposition  is — that  this  co-relation  of 
Methodism  and  the  Sabbath  school  by  their  objective 
unity,  is  further  disclosed  by  the  unity  of  means 
which  both  employ  for  the  conversion  of  the  soul. 
These  means,  in  general,  are  instruction  in  the  truth, 
exhortation  to  repentance,  resistance  to  sin,  seeking 
after  God,  faith  in  Christ  in  securing  the  witness  of 
the  spirit,  and  a  holy  life.  The  extraordinary  activ- 
ity of  life  which  has  marked  hersuccessful  progress 
for  more  than  a  century,  (and  which  must  charac- 
terize every  true  Sabbath  school)  clearly  shows  that 
Methodism  preserves  that  golden  mean— where  truth 
is  so  often  found-between  the  merit  of  human  works 
and  the  fatal  dream  that  God  will  storm  the  citadel 
of  the  soul  and  save  it  without  human  co-operation. 
She  does  not  presumptuously  throw  her  work  upon 
God,  nor  impiously  take  God's  work  upon  herself. 
In  the  conversion  of  souls  she  recognizes  in  the 
Sabbath  school  as  well  as  at  her  altar,  the  great  law 
of  divine  and  human  co-operation  illustrated  in  the 
resurrection  of  Lazarus.  Divine  power  was  re- 
quired to  raise  to  life  a  decomposing  dead  body, 
but  human  power  could  roll  the  stone  from  the 
mouth  of  the  grave.  And  so,  only  God  can  regen- 
erate the  soul,  but  human  co-operation  can  remove 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  227 

difficulties — can  roll  away  worldly  enticements,  ap- 
petites and  spiritual  indolence.  The'  command  of 
Jesus  to  "  roll  away  the  stone,"  was  a  death-blow 
to  a  fatalistic,  do-nothing  faith.  God  does  not  save 
men  by  forcing  their  wills,  but  by  persuading  them 
to  be  reconciled  to  himself.  And  it  is  in  obedience 
to  this  law  that  Methodism  seeks  to  save  souls,  and 
that  unifies  her  with  the  true  Sabbath  school. 
They  are  one  in  origin,  one  in  object  and  one  in  the 
means  of  securing  that  object. 

Finally  :  The  Church  in  the  Sabbath  school,  and 
the  Sabbath  school  in  the  Church,  working  to  secure 
the  same  heaven-designed  result,  presents  the  world 
with  the  sublimest  harmony  ever  produced  by 
heaven's  contact  with  earth.  Here  human  labor  is 
dignified  and  honored  by  co-partnership  with  God, 
and  heaven  furnishes  the  capital  upon  which  to 
work  out  for  the  soul  salvation  and  eternal  life. 
We  know  of  no  field  of  labor  so  inviting,  no  busi- 
ness so  dignified,  no  duty  at  once  so  imperative  and 
pleasant,  and  no  labor  so  quickly  rewarded  with 
the  smiles  of  heaven,  as  the  doctrines  of  Method- 
ism at  work  in  the  Sabbath  school.  Here  is  a  har- 
mony far  sweeter  than  the  "  music  of  the  spheres  " 
or  the  harp  of  JEolus,  for  it  is  the  harmony  which 
God  produces  by  the  sweep  of  the  atonement  over 
human  souls. 

We  go  to  the  blushing  flower,  sweet  image  of 
God's  thought  of  the  beautiful,  arid  ask,  "  where, 
oh  thou  visible  expression  of  an  invisible  beauty,  is 
the  sweetest  harmony  in  the  universe  ?  And  ?,s  it 
sips  the  dew  of  the  morning  and  is  sweet,  and  turns 


228  The  Centennial  of 

its  cheek  for  the  warm  kiss  of  the  sun  and  is  beautiful 
it  answers,  "  It  is  not  in  me."  We  go  and  stand  by 
the  sea,  sublime  emblem  of  God's  infinity,  and 
as  the  waves  rise  and  fall  to  the  music  of  the  winds, 
we  ask,  "  Where,  oh  thou  musical,  deep-heaving 
sea,  is  the  grandest  harmony  in  the  universe."  And 
as  the  billows,  crowned  with  silver  and  shod  with 
emerald,  clap  their  hands  and  shout  to  each  other, 
as  they  leap  in  merry  laughter  upon  the  shore,  and 
the  sea  sweeping  on  to  roll  and  sing  replies,  "  It  is 
not  in  me !"  We  go  out  in  night's  profound  gloom 
and  watch  the  suns  and  planets  as  they  wheel  along 
sidereal  heavens,  and  while  they  seem  so  distant, 
and  yet  so  near  that  we  fancy  we  can  almost  hear 
the  clicking  of  the  machinery  of  this  grand  time- 
piece of  eternity,  and  fixing  our  eye  upon  a  single 
star,  we  ask,  "Where,  oh  thou  star  of  the  evening, 
is  the  sublimest  harmony  in  the  universe?"  And 
as  a  sun  holding  its  worlds,  like  children,  singing 
and  rejoicing  around  it,  replies  "  It  is  not  in  me !" 
But  now  we  stand  near  that  circle  of  listening  wo- 
men, who  seem  to  know  by  intuition  that  such  a 
teacher  as  Jesus  must  love  little  children,  and  as  we 
hear  Mary's  divine  Son  extend  the  blessed  invita- 
tion, "  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  me  !" 
we  ask,  "  Where  is  the  sweetest  harmony  in  the 
universe  ?"  And  the  angels,  gazing  with  thought- 
ful eye  upon  the  happy  scene,  reply,  "  It  is  here  ! — 
it  is  here!"  We  go  and  stand  by  that  bedside, 
where  the  child  of  the  Sabbath  school  is  being  borne 
by  angels  towards  the  beautiful  shore,  and  as  the 
mother  stands  over  her  darling  boy  and  counts  the 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  229 

dying  pulse,  and  his  Sabbath  school  teacher,  stand- 
ing by,  still  points  to  the  home  of  the  good,  where 
no  death  is,  and  parting  never  comes ;  and  as  the 
child,  with  smiling  face,  looks  up  and  says,  "  Mother, 
we  shall  meet  each  other  there !"  Oh,  we  ask, 
"Where is  the  sweetest  harmony  in  the  universe?" 
And  the  rejoicing  angels  reply,  "  It  is  here  ! — it  is 
here !" 

And,  then,  beyond  the  present  and  the  mortal — 
beyond  the  weeping  and  the  dying — standing  on 
Zion's  hill,  and  sweeping  with  unclouded  vision  the 
plains  of  the  heavenly  world,  we  see  the  long  column 
of  Sabbath  school  scholars,  clothed  with  white  and 
crowned  with  glory,  led  by  the  Hannah  Balls,  the 
Raikeses  and  the  Wesleys,  and  singing,  "  Yes,  we'll 
gather  at  the  river,"  they  cast  their  crowns  at  the 
Redeemer's  feet,  and  cry  "  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  who 
died  for  us !"  and  as  they  sweep  on  to  brighter  fields 
and  higher  pleasures,  we  ask,  "  Oh,  ye  shining  ones, 
where  is  the  sublimest  beauty  and  the  fullest  joy  in 
the  universe  ?"  And  all  the  hosts  of  heaven  rise  up 
and  respond,  "  It  is  here — it  is  here!" 

The  choir  sung  charmingly,  a  beautiful  Anthem. 

Bishop  Marvin  then  introduced  Rev.  Edgar  L. 
Perkins,  a  local  minister  of  Newport,  Carteret 
county,  North  Carolina,  whose  subject  was : 


230  The  Centennial  of 

"the  relations  of  methodism  to  the  origin  and 
progress  of  bible,  missionary  and  tract  societies." 

Mr.  Perkins  says : 

Mr,  President,  Beloved,  Brethren  and  Friends  : 

According  to  the  programme  of  this  meeting',  it 
falls  to  my  lot,  at  this  hour,  to  speak  of  "  The  rela- 
tions of  Methodism  to  the  origin  and  progress  of 
Bible,  Missionary  and  Tract  Societies." 

An  African  prince  once  remarked  to  Casaile, 
that  "  one  event  is  the  son  of  another  event  that 
has  gone  before  it."  I  know  of  nothing  said  by  any 
of  the  philosophers  that  is  more  true.  The  events 
that  are  now  transpiring,  in  which  we  join  as  actors, 
point  back  to  events  that  took  place  one  hundred 
years  ago,  as  their  great  grand  ancestors. 

But  what  has  been  said  of  events  is  equally  true 
of  ideas.  One  idea  owes  its  origin  to  another  idea 
that  went  before  it.  To  go  back  to  the  source  of 
the  first  idea,  in  a  train  of  thought,  is  often  a  thing 
of  high  importance. 

A  very  good  writer  says,  "  the  mode  of  a  man's 
life  is  the  product  of  his  dominant  sentiments,  and 
habitual  emotions,  and  these  are  the  product  of  his 
convictions."  By  this  we  understand  him  to  mean, 
that  the  prevailing  sentiments  of  an  individual  give 
shape  and  color  to  the  general  conduct  of  his  life. 
So  it  is  with  the  church.  The  sentiments  engrafted 
upon  the  membership,  and  kept  steadily  before  the 
people,  fashion  the  character  of  that  membership, 
and  shape  the  course  of  the  church.     Prevailing 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  231 

sentiments  become  the  rules  of  action.  So  when  we 
come  to  speak  of  the  relations  of  Methodism  to  be- 
nevolent institutions,  we  must  consider,  first  of  all, 
the  spirit  of  Methodism,  as  displayed  in  the  teach- 
ings and  practice  of  its  members.  We  must  go 
back  to  original  sentiments  and  fellow  their  effects. 

Among  the  very  first  rules  adopted  by  the  Wes- 
leys,  and  their  associates,  and  handed  down  to  the 
present,  we  find  the  following  obligation  enjoined : 
"  Doing  good  of  every  possible  sort,  and  as  far 
as  possible  to  all  men."  This  was  one  of  the 
parent  ideas  of  the  church  organization. 

The  practical  working  of  this  rule  may  be  illus- 
trated by  an  incident  in  the  life  of  an  old  local 
preacher  in  North  Carolina,  long  since  gone  to  his 
reward.  The  first  temperance  lecture  had  been  de- 
livered in  the  town  where  he  lived.  The  pledge 
was  about  to  be  offered  for  signatures.  A  moderate 
drinker  had  secretly  framed  his  excuse,  that  as  the 
preacher  did  not  drink  intoxicating  liquors,  he 
would  not  sign  the  pledge,  and,  said  he,  I  will  use 
this  as  my  excuse,  that  I  will  not  sign  because  the 
preacher  will  not."'  But  to  his  infinite  horror,  when 
the  pledge  was  laid  on  the  table,  and  a  call  was 
made  for  volunteers,  the  preacher  was  the  first  to 
enroll  his  name.  Our  disappointed  friend  exclaimed, 
"What  did  you  sign  that  for?  The  preacher  re- 
plied, "  O  nothing,  more  than  that  I  was  afraid 
something  good  might  be  done,  and  I  should  have 
no  hand  in  it."  This  simple  incident  illustrates 
the  spirit  of  Methodism.  The  rule  above  quoted, 
engrafted  this  idea  upon  the  church,  according  to 


232  The  Centennial  of 

apostolic  direction,  and  it  has  "grown  with  its 
growth,  and  strengthened  with  its  strength." 

To  do  good  of  every  possible  sort,  and  as  far  as 
possible  to  all  men,  was  the  inscription,  nailed  to 
the  nag-staff  of  Methodism,  when  it  first  set  out  for 
the  field  of  conquest ;  and  the  corruscations  of  this 
banner  have  been  the  light  of  every  battle-field,  and 
the  illumination  of  every  victory.  We  should  be 
truly  thankful  to  God,  from  the  great  deep  of  our 
hearts,  that  lie  inspired  our  fathers  in  the  church, 
to  transmit  to  us  such  noble  sentiments. 

When  the  divine  Master  gave  the  great  commis- 
sion to,  "  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature,"  lie 
laid  the  foundation  of  all  the  enterprises  that  look 
to  the  salvation  of  the  human  family.  Bible  and 
tract  societies  have  their  root  in  the  missionary 
spirit.  The  object  is,  to  furnish  all  men  with  the 
light  of  gospel  truth.  If  bibles  and  tracts  were 
piled  mountain-high  around  the  teeming  press,  they 
would  be  useless  without  men,  whose  hearts  were 
fired  with  the  love  of  their  Master's  work,  to  distrib- 
ute them.  For  this  reason  we  look  upon  such  socie- 
ties as  the  aids  and  props  of  each  other.  Bibles  and 
tracts  are  the  missionary's  tools,  by  which  he  carries 
on  his  work,  of  pouring  light  into  benighted  mind, 
and  awakening  a  spirit  of  inquiry,  in  the  minds  of 
the  thoughtless  and  unconcerned. 

Mr.  Wesley,  and  his  co-laborers,  were  so  sensible 
of  this  fact  that  in  the  very  outset  of  the  great  work 
which  they  began,  we  find  them  using  all  possible 
means  of  putting  bibles,  and  religious  tracts,  in  the 
hands  of  their  hearers.     Every  preacher  was  a  trav- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  233 

eling  missionary,  a  Bible  agent,  and  a  tract  distrib- 
utor. They  sold  what  they  could,  to  replenish  their 
often  empty  treasury,  and  where  the  people  were 
too  poor  to  purchase,  the  tracts  wTere  given  away. 
Their  own  purses  were  emptied  by  their  benevo- 
lence. Then  the  question  arose,  how  shall  the  peo- 
ple be  fed  with  the  bread  of  life  ?  The  multitudes 
craved  light :  the  demand  was  greater  than  the 
ability  to  supply.  At  this  stage  of  affairs  the  happy 
thought  occurred  to  the  minds  of  John  Wesley  and 
Thomas  Coke  to  organize  a  tract  society,  which  they 
did  in  the  year  1782,  and  which  was  the  first  tract 
society  organized  in  England.  This  was  seventeen 
years  before  the  organization  of  the  present  great 
tract  society,  having  its  headquarters  in  Paternoster 
Row;  this  latter  society  having  been  organized  in 
1799,  by  Rowdand  Hill  and  a  few  of  his  Calvanistic 
Methodist  adherants. 

When  once  an  idea  is  projected  it  becomes  public 
property,  and  the  successful  working  of  one  society, 
or  association  of  men,  is  very  likely  to  induce  others 
to  try  the  same  plans.  Hence  we  find  other  socie- 
ties springing  up  in  rapid  succession,  in  different 
sections  of  the  British  realms  ;  and  in  all  these  socie- 
ties we  find  the  friends  of  the  "Wesley s  engaged. 
The  first  Bible  society  in  England  was  called  the 
"Naval  and  Military  Bible  Society."  It  was  pro- 
jected by  George  Cussons,  and  organized  by  a  small 
number  of  his  Methodist  companions.  The  "Lon- 
don Missionary  Society"  originated  in  an  appeal 
from  Melville  Home,  who,  for  some  years,  was  one 
of  Wesley's  itinerant  preachers,  and  then  took  or- 
30 


231  The  Centennial  of 

ders  in  the  established  church,  to  become  the  suc- 
cessor of  the  gifted  and  pious  Fletcher,  as  vicar  of 
madely.  The  "  Church  Missionary  Society  "  was 
started,  not  by  one  of  the  Bishops  or  Arch  Bishops 
of  the  realm,  as  we  should  have  expected  in  so  grand 
a  movement ;  but  by  John  Venn,  the  son  of  Henry 
Venn,  a  Methodist  clergyman  {See  Tyermmi's 
Life  and  Times  of  John  Wesley,   Vol.  I,  page  11.) 

So  we  see  that  one  good,  practical  thought,  is 
like  a  seed  dropped  in  the  earth,  that  grows,  and 
bears,  and  drops  many  seed,  that  are  caught  up  and 
planted  in  other  gardens,  and  in  their  turn  produce 
abundant  fruit,  demanding  a  wider  territory  for 
more  extended  usefulness. 

It  is  often  the  case  that  small  societies  having  the 
same  object  in  view,  merge  into  one  grand  central 
society,  and  thus  by  union  they  obtain  strength. 
The  "British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  "  became 
the  great  central  society  of  the  British  dominions, 
and  Summerfield  stated  publicly,  in  the  city  of 
Paris,  that  it  was  the  "  mother  of  all "  the  other 
Bible  societies,  and  the  French  protestants  yielded 
to  the  validity  of  the  claim. 

The  spirit  of  organized  benevolence,  which  stir- 
red the  minds  and  hearts  of  our  transatlantic  breth- 
ren, soon  reached,  and  began  to  work  on  this  side 
of  the  great  waters  ;  and  different  protestant  denom- 
inations joined  together  in  the  great  work  of  giving 
light  to  the  people.  Many  rejoiced  at  finding  a 
common  platform,  on  which  all  could  stand  and 
work  harmoniously  for  the  bringing  of  a  sinful  world 
to  the  foot  of  the  Cross. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  235 

As  early  as  1789,  among  the  Methodists  it  was 
made  the  duty  of  the  preachers,  according  to  the 
discipline,  to  distribute  the  tracts  of  the  church. 
But  the  first  tract  society,  on  the  American  conti- 
nent, seems  to  have  been  projected  and  organized 
by  Rev.  Dr  Porter  and  Iiev.  Dr.  Justin  Edwards, 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  It  was  called  the 
"  New  England  Tract  Society,"  and  was  organized 
in  the  year  1814;  but  this  was  thirty-two  years  after 
the  first  organization  of  the  kind  by  Wesley  and 
Coke,  in  England.  This  "New  England  Tract  Socie- 
ty" was  afterwards  merged  into  the  "American  Tract 
Society,"  which  was  organized  in  1825.  This  was 
eight  years  after  the  organization  of  the  "American 
Tract  Society  of  the  Methodist  Church,"  which  took 
place  in  1817.  But,  notwithstanding,  the  Methodist 
Church  had  an  organization  of  its  own,  it  laid  hold 
of  the  great  American  organization  with  a  strong 
hand  and  a  warm  heart. 

In  behalf  of  this  society  was  enlisted  the  talents 
of  the  gifted  Summerfield,  who  aided  in  its  organ- 
ization, plead  for  its  support,  and  served  as  one  of 
its  publishing  committee  ;  and  finally  took  the  fatal 
cold,  that  finished  his  brief  and  brilliant  career,  by 
standing  too  long  on  the  damp  ground,  on  the  day 
that  the  corner-stone  of  their  building  was  laid. 

The  "American  Bible  Society"  was  organized 
May  11th,  1816.  Here  again  was  another  platform 
on  which  all  true  christians  might  unite,  to  furnish 
the  scriptures,  without  note  or  comment,  to  the 
perishing  millions,  that  plead  for  the  light  of  divine 
truth.  It  was  in  behalf  of  this  society,  at  its  fifth 
anniversary,  that  Summerfield  first  touched  a  cord 


236  The  Centennial  of 

that  vibrated  through  all  the  Christian  hearts  of 
America.  Through  Robert  Emory's  influence  he 
was  introduced  as  a  speaker,  and  he  soon  convinced 
his  audience  that  his  head  and  heart  were  in  union 
with  every  movement  that  had  for  its  object  the 
glory  of  God,  and  the  salvation  of  his  fellow-mortals. 
His  matchless  eloquence,  on  this  occasion,  reached 
the  highest  expectation  of  all  present,  and  all  hearts 
were  won,  to  enlist  in  a  cause  which  seemed  so  glo- 
rious, and  to  offer  the  opportunities  of  so  much  good 
to  suffering  humanity.  His  pleas  were  so  effective, 
that  his  services  were  constantly  sought,  in  pushing 
forward  the  work  from  city  to  city,  and  from  State 
to  State.  We  find  him  at  one  time  in  Canada,  be- 
fore the  "  Montreal  Bible  Society  ;"  then  in  Trance, 
as  a  delegate,  before  the  "  Paris  Bible  Society." 
Wherever  he  went  he  fired  the  hearts  of  the  people 
and  enlisted  their  sympathies  in  the  cause,  which 
was  so  near  to  his  great  heart.  The  distinguished 
Judge  Elisha  Boudinot,  president  of  the  society, 
went  down  to  his  grave  rejoicing  that  so  distin- 
guished an  advocate,  and  one  so  successful,  had 
lifted  his  voice  in  behalf  of  a  cause,  which  had  some 
time  trembled  in  the  balance  between  success  and 
defeat. 

Although  the  labors  of  Summerfield  were  emi- 
nently conspicuous,  he  was  far  from  being  the  only 
Methodist  that  worked  in  this  field  of  labor.  If  you 
examine  the  history  of  the  church  you  will  find  that 
in  1828,  the  authorities  made  provision  for  a  consol- 
idated move  in  the  Bible  cause;  and  in  the  disci- 
pline of  1832,  under  the  head  defining  the  duty  of 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  237 

those  who  had  the  charge  of  circuits,  the  preacher 
was  required  to  prepare  a  written  statement  of  "  the 
amount  raised  for  missions,  and  for  the  publication 
of  Bibles,  Tracts  and  Sunday  School  Books."  In 
the  same  year  it  was  made  the  duty  of  the  presiding 
elder,  "  To  promote,  by  all  proper  means,  the  cause 
of  missions,"  and,  "The  publication  of  Bibles  and 
Tracts." 

Thus  the  church  required  every  member  of  every 
conference  to  work  in  the  dissemination  of  reli- 
gious knowledge.  It  was  not  left  with  each  preacher 
to  act,  or  not  to  act,  as  his  convenience  or  his  feel- 
ings might  suggest.  The  rule  was  binding  on  all, 
and  at  the  Annual  Conference  a  fall  expose  was  to 
be  made  of  the  work  accomplished.  These  things 
are  fastened  to  the  history  of  the  church,  and  to  its 
discipline;  and  can  never  be  called  in  question  for 
the  want  of  a  suitable  record  of  the  facts. 

The  circuit  rider  may  be  regarded,  by  the  short- 
sighted miser,  as  a  beggar;  but  he  has  begged  more 
for  others  than  for  himself.  Besides  the  discharge 
of  his  numerous  pastoral  duties,  he  has  been  com- 
pelled to  keep  constantly  in  view  the  Bible  fund, 
the  tract  fund,  the  missionary  fund,  the  widow's 
and  orphan's  fund,  and  many  other  funds.  Pie  has 
often  nobly  sacrificed  his  own  interest  to  that  of  the 
various  funds  which  duty  bound  him  to  secure. 

The  missionary  society  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church  was  formed  in  1819.  More  properly 
speaking,  at  that  time  it  became  a  separate  wheel  in 
the  great  machinery  of  Methodism  ;  for  all  the  ope- 
rations of  the  church,  upon  this  and  other  continents. 


238  The  Centennial  of 

had  been  of  a  missionary  character,  and  very  often 
partaking;  of  the  hardest  feature  of  that  work. 

As  early  as  1814  that  great,  good  man  Thomas 
Coke,  after  having  spent  a  large  fortune  in  the  work, 
laid  down  his  life  in  the  missionary  service.  With 
six  other  preachers  he  started  for  the  Isle  of  Ceylon, 
but  before  he  reached  his  desired  field  of  labor, 
while  all  were  quietly  sleeping  in  the  berths  of  the 
ship  that  bore  them,  his  noble  spirit  went  up  to 
God,  and  left  his  body,  with  a  sweet  smile  upon  his 
face,  where  it  was  found  by  his  companions  in  the 
morning.  Solemnly  it  was  shrouded,  and  weeping 
the  bitter  tears  of  grief,  they  committed  his  remains 
to  the  waters  of  the  Indian  Ocean,  there  to  await 
the  trump  that  shall  call  together  the  living  and  the 
dead  of  all  ages  and  nations.  Far  from  his  native 
land  ;  far  from  the  graves  of  his  relatives  and  friends, 
the  chorals  of  the  sea  have  given  him  a  grave,  and 
long  ere  this,  have  woven  around  him  their  fantastic 
wreaths,  and  formed  for  him  a  vault,  that  no  van- 
dalism shall  spoil,  no  hand  polute,  until  the  time 
comes  for  the  "  sea  to  give  up  her  dead."  His  was 
a,  noble  character.  He  gave  up  all  fur  Christ. 
Wealth,  learning,  intellect  of  high  order,  and  man- 
ners the  most  fascinating  were  his.  With  these  ad- 
vantages he  might  have  won  almost  any  situation 
in  life,  that  a  proud  heart  might  covet.  But  he  laid 
them  all  at  his  Master's  feet.  Intimidated  by  no 
dangers,  allured  by  no  earthly  pomp,  he  counted  all 
things  but  dust  and  ashes,  when  compared  with  the 
heavenly  inheritance.  When  Christ  shall  come  to 
make  up  his  jewels,  the  "  old  ship  of  Zion  "  will 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  239 

turn  her  prow  to  the  Indian  Ocean,  and  there  lift 
upon  her  deck  a  pearl  of  the  brightest  lusture  ever 
taken  from  the  bed  of  that  unfathomable  sea.  It 
will  be  the  immortal  Thomas  Coke,  D.  D.  LL.  D., 
first  bishop  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

In  the  year  1832,  Melville  B.  Cox  went  to  Africa, 
to  bear  the  banner  of  the  Cross  to  that  dark  and  be- 
nighted people.  In  one  short  year  he  made  the  dis- 
covery, that  there  was  a  direct  way,  leading  from 
the  coast  of  Africa,  to  the  interior  of  God's  great 
paradise  above.  One  year  he  went  to  Africa,  and 
the  next  year  he  went  to  heaven.  Like  all  rich 
men,  with  good  hearts,  he  left  a  great  legacy  to  be 
expended  for  good.  It  was  to  his  Methodist  breth- 
ren in  the  interest  of  the  missionary  cause.  It  is 
found  in  his  dying  message,  in  these  words  :  "  Let 
a  thousand  missionaries  fall  rather  than  give 
up  Africa." 

These  words  have  come  along  down  through  suc- 
ceeding years,  like  a  roll  of  thunder  calling  for  vol- 
unteers, to  march  in  the  service  of  the  King  of  kings. 

Such  has  been  the  spirit  manifested  by  our  mis- 
sionaries. No  mountain  has  been  too  high,  no  ocean 
too  wide,  to  intercept  them  from  their  coveted  fields 
of  labor.  No  sun  has  been  too  hot,  no  weather  too 
cold,  no  climate  too  sickly,  no  dangers  too  threaten- 
ing, to  turn  them  aside  from  their  purpose  of  plant- 
ing the  standard  of  immanual  in  every  land.  It  is 
that  meek  and  lowly  spirit  that'  lays  down  every 
thing  at  the  foot  of  the  cross. 

Time  would  fail  me  to  attempt  to  enroll  all  the 
names,  and  make  a  list  of  all  the  sacrifices  which 


240 


The  Centennial  of 


have  been  made  in  carrying  the  light  of  the  gospel 
to  those  that  sat  in  darkness.  The  samples  given 
illustrate  the  spirit,  An  earnest,  moving,  progress- 
ive Christianity,  is  the  spirit  of  Methodism.  One 
that  pines  not  for  the  luxuries  of  the  carpeted  parlor, 
the  festive  board,  or  the  cushioned  lounge  ;  but  the 
spirit  that  scales  the  mountains,  crosses  the  seas,. 
penetrates  the  desert,  defies  danger,  shuns  no  re- 
sponsibilities, and  knows  no  weariness  in  bringing 
trophies  to  the  cross  of  Christ. 

If  I  were  called  upon  to  construct  some  device, 
that  should  represent  the  genius  of  Methodism,  I 
would  give  the  picture  of  a  man  on  horseback,  with 
a  pair  of  well-filled  saddle-bags.  In  one  hand  an 
open  Bible,  on  which  he  looks  with  intense  interest. 
In  the  other  hand  a  staff,  from  the  top  of  which  a 
banner  is  unfurled,  with  the  inscription  in  letters 
of  gold,  "  Doing  good  or  every  possible  sokt,  and 

AS  FAK  AS  POSSIBLE  TO  ALL  MEN. 

There  is  another  class  of  sacrifices  demanding 
our  attention-the  heart  offerings  of  the  women  of 
our  church.     The  instance  given  recently  by  brother 
Blake,  is  fresh  in  the  minds  of  many,  in  which  Julia 
Southall,   of  Murfreesboro,  North  Carolina,  drew 
from  around  her  neck  a  valuable  gold  chain,  a  bridal 
present,  and  laid  it  in  the  box  containing  contribu- 
tions for  the  missionary  cause.     This  was  a  noble 
sacrifice,   a  beautiful  offering,   a  worthy  example. 
But  there  is  another  class  of  sacrifices  much  harder 
to  make,  and  more  acceptable  to  God.     It  is  when 
a  mother  gives  her  son,  her  only  son,  to  God,  as 
Abraham  offering  Isaac  upon  the  altar. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  2-ii 

When  Jas.  O.  Andrew  was  but  a  young  preacher, 
lie  was  called  upon  by  a  mother  in  Alabama  to  bap- 
tize her  little  boy.  The  mother  remarked,  "I  lay 
my  son  upon  God's  altar,  may  he  accept  the  sacri- 
fice, and  make  of  him  a  missionary  !"  Time  rolled 
away.  Andrew  had  become  a  bishop.  A  young 
man  came  forward  to  receive  orders  in  the  ministry, 
and  to  take  an  appointment  in  a  foreign  mission. 
It  was  the  identical  son  whose  mother  had  given 
him  to  God  at  his  baptism,  more  than  twenty  years 
before.  Here  was  a  splendid  offering ;  worth  more 
than  gold  and  silver.  A  mother  sacrifices  her  dear- 
est object  of  affection  on  earth,  to  God,  and  then, 
through  long  years  of  training,  prepares  him  for  the 
hour  when  the  sacrifice  is  to  be  completed. 

If  you  would  like  to  know  how  hard  it  is  for  an 
affectionate  mother  to  part  with  her  son,  and  send 
him  away  from  all  the  endearments  of  society,  to  be 
an  associate  of  savage  ignorance,  you  can  learn  the 
lesson  you  covet,  by  taking  a  picture  of  the  depart- 
ure of  Melville  B.  Cox,  when  he  bade  his  mother 
adieu  for  the  last  time.  Receiving  his  appointment 
to  the  African  Mission,  he  hastened  to  Portsmouth, 
Virginia,  to  see  his  mother,  and  get  ready  for  the 
journey.  She  braced  her  heart  by  prayer  for  the 
occasion,  and,  like  a  good  mother,  went  to  work  to 
get  her  son  ready  for  his  departure.  I  fancy  that  I 
can  see  her  hand  tremble,  as  she  deposits  in  his 
trunk,  first  one  little  article  of  necessity,  and  then 
another,  saying  to  herself,  this  is  my  last  chance  to 
make  these  little  provisions  for  my  son's  happiness. 
So  many  little  things  needful,  such  as  a  mother  only 
31 


242  The  Centennial  of 

could  think  of,  were  packed  away  there.  The  pack- 
ing is  completed.  The  hour  of  departure  arrives. 
All  is  ready.  The  baggage  is  sent  forward.  It  is 
a  moment  of  silence  and  deep  distress.  A  moment 
of  hesitancy,  and  of  heart  throbbings.  A  moment 
when  duty  and  affection,  pulling  in  opposite  direc- 
tions, seem  to  split  the  soul  assunder.  But  duty's 
voice  must  be  obeyed.  The  son  offers  the  mother 
his  hand — it  is  not  enough — she  wants  the  body — 
throwing  her  arms  around  him,  she  exclaims,  Oh ! 
Melville!  Melville!  how  can  I  give  you  up!  The 
agony  of  his  heart  threw  dumbness  upon  his  lips  for 
a  moment;  but  lifting  his  eyes  to  "  heaven,  from 
whence  cometh  all  our  help,"  he  exclaimed,  Oh ! 
Africa!  Africa!  how  can  I  give  thee  up!  It  was 
enough.  His  mother  felt  that  her  son  was  devoted 
to  his  work — her  arms  relaxed,  he  passed  from  her 
view,  and  as  it  proved  to  be,  from  her  view  forever. 
There  was  a  sacrifice,  with  which  a  mountain  of 
gold  would  bear  but  a  poor  comparison. 

If  you  will  go  to  the  missionary  fields  of  India, 
Africa,  or  China,  or  Ceylon,  you  will  find  the  graves 
of  our  missionaries.  Women  whose  noble  hearts 
induced  them  to  sacrifice  all  the  ease  and  comforts 
of  home,  and  the  endearments  of  refined  society,  to 
brave  the  dangers  of  tempestuous  seas,  to  be  exposed 
to  the  ravages  of  savage  men  and  savage  beast,  to 
do  the  duties  of  the  missionary  cot ;  and  all  for  the 
glory  of  the  Cross. 

Such  are  the  specimens  of  the  sacrifices  made  by . 
our  beloved  Methodism.     If  the'same  spirit  of  de- 
votion continues,  through  the  next  hundred  years, 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina. 


243 


that  has  characterized  the  past,  and  we  transmit  to 
our  successors  the  same  self-sacrificing  devotion  to 
duty  that  our  predecessors  have  transmitted  to  us, 
those  who  live  to  see  the  next  centennial  will  be 
able  to  rejoice  over  the  fact,  that  every  tribe  and 
tongue  will  have  learned  that,  "  the  gospel  is  the 
power  of  God  unto  salvation.1'  Every  valley  will 
have  been  filled  Math  the  sound  of  prayer,  and  every 
hill  will  echo  the  voices  of  those  who  join  in  songs 
of  praise  to  Him  who  is  "fearful  in  praises.'1  Such 
results  may  seem  too  great  for  our  feeble  hopes,  but 
it  is  the  Lord's  work  and  He  will  bring  it  to  pass. 

Let  the  prayers  of  the  church  be  fervent,  its  praises 
frequent  and  sincere,  its  work  incessant,  and  the 
glory  of  God  will  be  the  crown  of  the  church ;  its 
progress  will  be  irresistible,  its  success  unlimited, 
its  march  triumphant,  its  victories  overwhelming, 
its  joys  unuterable.  There  will  be  no  pause,  no 
hesitancy,  but  a  steady,  onward  march,  until  the 
great  work  of  human  redemption  is  complete,  and 
all  hearts  are  made  subject  to  the  will  of  Him  who 
is  "  God  over  all  and  blessed  forever  more." 


At  the  close  of  Mr.  Perkins'  address,  Bishop 
Marvin  made  a  few  pertinent  remarks. 

Dr.  Burkhead  made  announcements.  The  choir 
sung  to  the  great  delight  of  every  body,  and  Bishop 
Marvin  pronounced  the  benediction. 


244  The  Centennial  of 

afternoon  session. 

March  24,  1876. 

Exercises  were  resumed  in  Metropolitan  Hall,  at 
3£  o'clock  P.  M.  Vice-President  Rev.  E.  A.  Yates, 
in  the  chair. 

Religious  services  were  conducted  by  Rev.  J.  S. 
Nelson,  Presiding  Elder  of  Fayetteville  District. 

The  chairman  then  introduced  Rev.  Marquis  L. 
Wood,  A.  M.,  of  the  North  Carolina  Conference, 
who  delivered  the  following : 

"  EULOGY  ON  THE  LIFE  AND  LABORS  OF  REV.  PETER 

noun,  i).  n." 

Mr.  Wood  said : 

Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlem,en : 

"  The  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed."  It  is  redo- 
lent with  heavenly  aspirations,  benevolent  plans, 
pious  deeds,  kind  offices  and  christian  fortitude; 
and  is  a  boon  that  should  be  gratefully  embalmed  in 
the  affections  of  the  heart  It  is  always  deeply  in- 
teresting and  instructive  to  study  the  lives  of  those 
who  have  greatly  lived  ;  to  read  their  thoughts ;  to 
understand  their  motives ;  to  enter  into  their  feel- 
ings;  and  to  know  how  they  acted.  Their  lives,  if 
spent  in  accordance  with  divine  wisdom,  illustrate 
the  true  philosophy  of  human  existence.  Hence  it 
is  eminently  proper,  in  the  historical  festivals  of  the 
church,  to  recall  the  names  and  the  deeds  of  those 
who  have  toiled  and  suffered  and  gloriously  died  in 


IKllf^'  i 


"  I^V. 


%/oU 


\A*A/J 


<Jc#.   fffartt^ 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  2A5 

the  Redeemer's  cause.  The  feelings  which  prompt 
to  this  partake  more  of  heaven  than  earth.  Their 
history  teaches  us  how  to  live  and  how  to  die. 

The  days  of  the  pioneers  of  Methodism  in  this 
country  were  no  ordinary  days.  They  were  clays 
of  peril — days  of  toil — days  of  suffering— but  days 
of  glorious  triumph.  They  did  not  live,  and  toil, 
and  suffer  and  die  in  vain.  They,  though  dead,  yet 
speak — speak  to  us  in  tones  of  encouragement. 

Since  their  times  another  generation  of  moral 
heroes  have  come  and  gone.  In  our  centenary  jubi- 
lee their  struggles  and  achievements  should  not  be 
forgotten.  We  are  some  of  the  fruits  of  their  labors. 
They  took  us,  when  infants,  in  their  arms,  and  dedi- 
cated us  to  God  in  the  holy  ordinance  of  baptism. 
How  precious  to  us  are  the  names  of  the  Reids,  the 
Leighs,  the  Brocks,  the  Normans,  the  Nicholsons, 
the  Bumpasses,  the  Barringers,  and  a  host  of  oth- 
ers; who  have  finished  their  work,  and  gone  up 
"like  plumed  warriors  for  whom  the  everlasting 
doors  were  lifted 11  to  let  them  pass  in  holy  triumph 
to  receive  their  crowns  of  rejoicing.  While  their 
golden  light  still  lingers  on  the  clouds  of  glory  we 
would  gather  a  few  of  its  mellow  rays  and  store 
them  in  memory's  treasury.  There  is  one  to  whom 
we  would  pay  a  special  tribute  on  this  interesting 
occasion.  For  more  than  half  a  century  the  name 
of  the  Reverend  Peter  Doub,  D.  D.,  was  identified 
with  North  Carolina  Methodism.  His  history  is 
no  small  portion  of  its  history.  For  fifty-one  years 
he  wielded  the  sword  of  the  spirit  with  the  hand  of 
a  tried  warrior ;  and  many  are  the  trophies  he  won 


246  The  Centennial  of 

to  the  banner  of  the  Cross.  "  He  was  a  good  man, 
and  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  of  faith  :  and  much 
people  was  added  unto  the  Lord,'1  through  his  in- 
strumentality. 

It  is  my  pleasant  task  to  wreathe  an  imperfect 
garland  for  the  brow  of  our  sainted  father.  Would 
that  I  could  do  justice  to  his  great  and  good  name. 

"O  for  the  touch  of  a  vanished  hand, 
And  the  sound  of  a  voice  that  is  still." 

Peter  Doub  was  no  ordinary  man.  Nature  and 
grace  did  a  great  deal  for  him  ;  and  he  did  much 
for  himself.  lie  was  the  son  of  John  and  Eve 
Doub,  and  was  born  in  Stokes  (now  Forsythe) 
county,  North  Carolina,  March  12th,  1796 ;  and 
was  the  youngest  of  nine  children.  His  father  was 
a  native  of  Germany,  possessed  a  fair  German  edu- 
cation, and  came  to  America  about  the  beginning 
of  the  Revolutionary  war.  He  spent  a  short  time  in 
Pennsylvania,  where  he  met  the  Rev.  P.  VV.  Otter- 
bein,  a  pious  man  of  God,  through  whose  instru- 
mentality he  was  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
truth.  He  came  to  North  Carolina  and  settled  in 
Stokes  county. 

His  mother  was  of  Swiss  parentage,  and  was  born 
in  York  county,  Pennsylvania.  When  in  her  eighth 
year,  her  father  moved  to  Stokes  county,  North  Car- 
olina. She  became  a  member  of  the  church  when 
about  fifteen  years  old.  She  was  truly  pious,  cheer- 
ful and  happy,  and  ever  ready  to  do  good  whenever 
opportunity  offered. 


Methodism  in  Nokth  Carolina.  24? 

Those  two  godly  people  were  both  exemplary 
members  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  "  walk- 
ing in  all  the  commandments  and  ordinances  of  the 
Lord  blameless;"  and  they  trained  their  children  in 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

At  the  time  of  Peter  Doub's  birth  the  educational 
facilities  of  North  Carolina  were  quite  poor.  Chapel 
Hill  had  been  in  operation  only  one  year  and  one 
month  ;  and  schools  of  a  high  grade  were  very  few. 
The  schools  of  his  section  were  taught  only  a  few 
weeks,  or  a  few  months  at  most,  in  the  year,  and 
then  by  very  incompetent  teachers.  His  father, 
though  in  comfortable  circumstances,  was  not 
blessed  with  a  sufficiency  of  means  to  send  his  child- 
ren to  college.  A  moderate  business  education  was 
all  he  could  hope  to  give  them.  The  only  other 
facilities  that  he  enjoyed  for  gaining  knowledge 
were  the  discussion  of  subjects  of  general  interest 
In  the  family,  the  hearing  preaching,  and  in  private 
Intercourse  with  the  preachers.  He  had  access  to 
very  few  books.  When  he  joined  Conference  he 
had  never  seen  an  English  grammar. 

Methodism  was  introduced  into  that  part  of  the 
State  in  the  year  1780.  In  that  year  the  Yadkin 
Circuit  was  formed  from  the  Pittsylvania  Circuit, 
and  was  served  by  the  Rev.  Andrew  Yeargan.  John 
Doub  and  his  wife  went  to  hear  him  preach,  were 
pleased  with  the  sermon  and  all  the  services,  and 
invited  the  preacher  home  with  them.  He  went 
with  them  on  his  next  round ;  and  after  that  time 
their  house  became  one  of  the  regular  appointments 
of  the  circuit.     A  church  of  six  or  eight  members 


24:8  The  Centennial  of 

was  organized  in  their  house,  they  both  joining. 
John  Doub  became  a  useful  local  preacher  in  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  was  ordained 
deacon  by  Bishop  "Whatcoat,  December,  1802,  at 
McKnight's  Church,  Davidson  county.  He  acquired 
a  good  knowledge  of  the  English  language  after  he 
was  fifty  years  old;  was  a  sound,  orthordox,  theo- 
logian ;  and  was  a  forcible,  effective  preacher. 

A  camp-meeting  was  held  on  his  land  in  1802 ; 
during  which  Peter,  then  a  little  over  six  years  old, 
was  deeply  impressed  with  the  importance  of  be- 
coming religious ;  and  those  impressions  were  never 
entirely  lost  from  his  young  heart.  He  ever  re- 
garded that  occasion  as  the  beginning  of  his  awak- 
ening, and  thought  that  if  proper  means  had  been 
used  he  would  then  have  experienced  the  saving 
grace  of  God.  He  was  required  to  read  the  Bible 
regularly,  as  soon  as  he  could  at  all,  which  after  his 
awakening  became,  in  some  measure,  a  pleasure  as 
well  as  means  to  his  conversion.  As  he  was  grow- 
ing up  he  read  a  volume  of  Benson's  sermons,  which, 
he  tells  us,  "  produced  upon  his  mind  the  most  awful 
and  alarming  convictions  that  he  ever  experienced." 
The  immediate  cause  of  his  conversion  was  a  sermon 
preached  by  the  Rev.  Edward  Cannon,  Presiding 
Elder  of  the  Yadkin  District,  October  5th,  1817, 
at  a  camp-meeting  held  at  Ward's  Church,  Davie 
(then  Rowan)  county.  The  next  day,  about  ten 
o'clock  A.  M.,  he  was  powerfully  converted  to  God  ; 
and  about  ten  days  after  joined  the  church. 

When  first  awakened,  while  in  his  seventh  year, 
Mr.  Doub  was  very  deeply  impressed  with  the  idea 


Methodism  in  JSToetii  Carolina.  249 

"that  lie  would  have  to  preach  the  gospel  of  the 
Son  of  God ;"  and  that  impression  remained  with 
him  for  years.  Some  weeks  after  his  conversion 
that  conviction  returned  with  greater  force  and 
clearness.  He  earnestly  strove  for  a  time  to  shake 
it  off,  and  finally  yielded  only  to  an  unmistakable 
sense  of  duty — duty  that  involved  his  personal  hap- 
piness for  time  and  eternity.  It  cost  him  quite  a 
struggle.  He  had  just  grown  up  to  manhood,  and 
had  just  commenced  the  great  business  of  life.  His 
natural  diffidence  led  him  to  prefer  the  quiet  re- 
treats of  rural  life  to  the  more  onerous  and  respon- 
sible duties  of  the  work  of  the  ministry.  Besides, 
such  a  step  was  attended  with  other  and  great  dif- 
ficulties. It  was  not  without  difficulty  he  could 
determine  whether  or  not  he  was  really  called  of 
God  to  preach.  He  looked  upon  such  a  call  as  a 
most  serious  matter — of  most  fearful  responsibility 
— "extraordinary  in  its  nature" — -involving  the 
highest  interests  both  of  the  minister  and  of  those 
who  should  wait  on  his  ministry.  In  the  next 
place,  his  deeply  felt  want  of  those  qualifications 
which  he  conceived  indispensably  necessary  for  the 
sacred  ministry,  caused  no  little  hesitancy  in  his 
mind  to  undertake  such  a  great  work.  "Another 
source  of  great  perplexity  was  his  extreme  timidity." 
He  always  shrank  from  anything  like  public  gaze — 
had  never  attempted  to  speak  in  public — and  the 
idea  of  preaching  was  perfectly  overwhelming  to 
him.     But  he  had 

"The  will  to  do,  the  soul  to  dare." 

32 


250  The  Centennial  otf 

After  being  a  probationer  in  the  church  only  a 
little  more  than  four  months,  Peter  Doub  was  re- 
ceived on  trial  in  the  Virginia  Conference  at  Nor- 
folk, Va.,  February,  1818,  and  appointed  to  the 
Haw  River  Circuit,  with  Christopher  S.  Mooring 
in  charge.  After  the  Quarterly  Conference,  held 
at  his  mother's,  which  unanimously  recommended 
him  to  the  Annual  Conference,  he  spent  a  few 
weeks  traveling  with  his  presiding  elder,  during 
which,  time  lie  made  his  very  first  attempt  at  pub- 
lic speaking.  He  was  requested  to  deliver  an  ex- 
hortation at  the  close  of  a  sermon  preached  by  the 
Rev.  Lewis  Kimball  one  night  at  a  Mr.  Long's,  on 
Deep  creek,  Yadkin  county.  He  told  a  friend 
years  after  that  he  never  knew  what  he  said  in  that 
exhortation.  He  spent  the  night  in  great  agony 
because  of  his  supposed  utter  failure.  Next  morn- 
ing he  mentioned  his  distress  of  mind  to  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Cannon,  hoping  he  would  advise  him  to  return 
to  his  farm  ;  but  to  his  great  surprise  he  was  encour- 
aged to  go  forward. 

That  circumstance  made  a  lasting  impression 
upon  his  mind.  It  decided  him  fully  to  try  and 
discharge  every  duty,  of  whatever  nature,  no  mat- 
ter what  the  surroundings.  It  showed  him  more 
sensibly  his  weakness.  It  convinced  him  of  his 
entire  dependence  upon  God  to  do  the  work  to 
which  he  had  been  called,  and  that  the  divine  aid 
would  be  given  when  needed.  He  learned  his 
weakness  and  his  strength,  and  the  fruits  of  that 
lesson  were  abundantly  seen  in  after  life. 

He  returned  home  and  arranged  his  business  to 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  251 

enter  fully  upon  the  work  of  the  ministry  He 
preached  every  Sabbath  till  he  left  for  his  circuit, 
His  first  sermon  was  preached  the  first  Sunday  in 
January,  1818,  from  the  text:  "There  is  "one 
God."  His  subject  was  «  The  Unity  of  the  Divine 
Being,"  and  he  preached  about  twenty  or  twenty- 
five  minutes  with  fair  satisfaction.  It  was  after- 
wards a  matter  of  astonishment  to  him  that  he 
should  have  selected  such  a  subject  for  his  first 
effort.  "Whatever  the  cause,  it  had  the  effect  of  his 
ever  after  making  the  nature  and  character  of 
Deity  a  subject  of  special  study. 

A  little  incident  in  the  first  year  of  his  ministry 
also  had  a  great  deal  to   do  in    shaping  his  future 
life.     His  colleague  told  him  that  the  people  found 
some  objection  to  his  preaching—/^  sermons  were 
too  short !     Mr.  Doub  replied  by  saving,  «  that  he 
said  all    he  knew,  and  did  not   like  to  repeat  it." 
Mr.  Mooring  told  him  to  "read  more,  study  more 
and  pray  more,"  and  he  would   "  be  able  to  preach 
more."     That  advice  fully  aroused  him,  and  "laid 
the  foundation  for  an  eager  fondness  for  books  "  that 
he  ever  retained.     He   became  a  lifetime  student, 
and  it  is   certain  that  he  became  able  to  preach 
more — much  more. 

From  that  time  forward  all  his  energies  of  mind, 
soul  and  body,  were  fully  devoted  to  the  service  of 
the  church.  He  was  emphatically  a  man  of  one 
work.  Possessed  of  great  powers  of  endurance 
and  of  high  mental  endowments,  he  was  capable  of 
performing  a  great  deal  of  labor.  Growing  up  to 
active  farm  life,  inured  to  constant  labor,  his  phys- 


252  The  Centennial  o*' 

ical  nature  was  thoroughly  developed.  He  pos- 
sessed a  fine,  manly,  nohle  form.  In  stature  he 
was  something  more  than  six  feet,  and  quite  portly, 
with  prominent  forehead.  II is  face  was  benevolent 
and  meditative.  He  was  dignified  in  appearance 
and  action.  His  mind  was  vigorous  and  compre- 
hensive, not  quick,  yet  ready.  He  possessed  great 
powers  of  concentration  of  thought.  He  gave  his 
whole  attention  to  whatever  subject  he  undertook 
to  investigate,  and  he  examined  it  in  every  minutia 
of  detail.  The  ruling  principle  in  all  his  reading 
and  studying  was  the  love  of  truth — "  the  truth  as 
it  is  in  Jesus."  The  Bible  was  his  text  book.  He 
read  and  studied  and  prayed  to  comprehend  its  true 
meaning.  Tie  neglected  nothing  in  his  reach  that 
would  give  him  light  on  the  sacred  text.  ISTo  man 
was  more  familiar  with  the  Divine  Word,  or  more 
fully  and  correctly  understood  its  great  doctrines. 
And  he  was  really  a  learned  theologian.  He  studied 
the  subject  in  all  its  branches.  His  idea  was  that 
it  could  "  only  be  compassed  by  diligent  study  and 
daily  practice ;"  that  no  limits  can  be  assigned  its 
range— a  life  time  is  too  short  to  fathom  all  its 
depths  and  ascend  all  its  heights.  Polemic  theology 
he  thoroughly  mastered.  He  overlooked  nothing 
that  concerned  the  welfare  of  the  church,  or  that 
involved  the  interests  of  immortal  souls.  Nor  did 
he  neglect  subjects  of  general  interest.  He  was 
posted  on  all  the  great  questions  of  the  day.  All 
systems  of  improvement  found  in  him  a  strong- 
friend  and  a  warm  advocate.  His  spirit  was  the 
spirit   of  Christianity.       All    institutions   intended 


Methodism  in  Koetii  Carolina.  253 

for  the  public  good  received  his  earnest  encourage- 
ment. He  took  a  lively  interest  in  the  educational 
enterprises  of  the  country. 

Dr.  Doub  was  not  only  a  lover  of  the  truth ;  he 
was  also  a  bold  and  fearless  defender  of  the  truth. 
His  mind  was  philosophical,  logical,  and  practical. 
He  mastered  the  thoughts  of  men,  whether  friends 
or  foes  of  Christianity.  Whatever  he  read  or  studied, 
he  so  read  and  studied  as  to  incorporate  it  into  his 
mental  nature  ;  and  he  never  forgot  anything.  His 
knowledge  was  all  at  his  command.  He  was  ever 
ready  to  preach,  and  to  preach  as  long  as  circum- 
stances demanded. 

Let  us  take  a  brief  survey  of  his  labors  in  the 
ministry  and  see  how  God  was  glorified  in  him. 
His  second  year,  1819,  was  on  the  Culpepper  Cir- 
cuit, Virginia.  In  February,  1820,  he  was  ordained 
deacon  at  Richmond,  Ya.,  by  Bishop  George. 
That  was  an  important  event  in  his  history.  It  had 
been  his  intention  that  when  he  graduated  to 
elder's  orders  to  retire  from  the  itinerancy.  Two 
years  in  the  regular  work,  and  the  vows  of  the 
office  of  a  deacon,  convinced  him  that  "  the  gifts 
and  calling  of  God  are  without  repentance  " — that 
the  ministry  was  his  only  legitimate  business  in 
life.  From  that  time  he  never  looked  back.  In 
1820  he  was  on  the  Bedford  Circuit,  Virginia,  with 
Thomas  Mann  in  charge  ;  in  1821,  on  the  Haw 
River  Circuit.  On  the  17th  of  August  of  that 
year,  he  was  most  happily  married  to  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Brantly,  of  Chatham  county,  N.  C.  On  the 
24th  of  March,  1822,    he  was    ordained  elder   at 


251  The  Centennial  of 

Hewbern,  N.  C,  by  Bishop  George,  and  appointed 
to    the    Raleigh  Circuit;   1823-'24,  the    Granville 

Circuit;  1825,  Roanoke  Circuit;  1826-'29,  Yadkin 
District ;  1830,  Guilford  Circuit;  1831,  Stokes  Cir- 
cuit ;  1832,  Franklin  Circuit,  Virginia  ;  1833,  Pitt- 
sylvania Circuit,  Virginia  ;  1831,  Randolph  Cir- 
cuit;  1835-'36,  Tar  River  Circuit;  1837,  Caswell 
Circuit;  1838-'10,  Danville  District;  ISll-'ll, 
Salisbury  District;  ISIS-'IG,  Raleigh  District; 
1817,  rested  on  account  of  ill-health  ;  1848,  Greens- 
boro Station  ;  1S19-50,  Henderson  Circuit ;  1851- 
?52,  Raleigh  Station  ;  1853,  Temperance  Lecturer  ; 
1851,  Salisbury  District;  1855,  Chapel  Hill  Station. 
On  the  19th  of  July  of  that  year  Trinity  College 
conferred  on  him  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity, 
and  it  was  most  worthily  done.  In  1856  he  served 
the  Normal  College  Circuit ;  1857-158,  Rockingham 
Circuit;  1859-62,  FayettcvilJe  District;  1863,  Haw 
River  Circuit  for  the  third  time;  1864— '66,  Greens- 
boro District ;  1867-69,  Professor  of  Biblical  Lit- 
erature in  Trinity  College,  which  position  he  hon- 
orably filled  till  he  peacefully  and  quietly  fell 
asleep  in  Jesus,  August  21th,  1869. 

Many  of  these  fields  were  large  and  very  labo- 
rious. His  first  circuit  had  twenty-seven  appoint- 
ments, which  he  severally  filled  every  four  weeks. 
His  second  had  fourteen  appointments,  and  each 
filled  every  three  weeks.  The  Raleigh  Circuit  em- 
braced most  of  the  territory  in  the  counties  of 
Wake,  Johnston,  Wilson,  Wayne,  Lenoir  and 
Greene,  and  was  a  four  weeks  circuit.  He  at- 
tended all  his   appointments  punctually,  when  not 


Methodism  in,  North  Carolina.  255 

disabled  by  sickness,  and  found  time  for  reading 
and  studying.  In  his  second  year  lie  saw  for  the 
first  time  Dr.  Clarke's  Commentary  on  the  Penta- 
teuch and  the  Gospels,  and  read  eight  or  nine  num- 
bers of  it.  Th?.t  Work  gave  a  new  impulse  to  his 
studying  the  scriptures,  gave  him  a  clearer  concep- 
tion of  their  true  meaning,  and  laid  in  his  mind 
the  foundation  for  a  more  thorough  and  extensive 
biblical  knowledge.  While  on  the  Raleigh  Cir- 
cuit  his  wife  and  himself  were  both  attacked  with 
bilious  fever  in  the  month  of  August,  and  up  to 
that  time  he  had  critically  read,  during  the  year, 
the  whole  of  the  Old  Testament  and  much  of  the 
New,  in  connection  with  Clarke's  Commentary, 
and  in  the  meantime  conducted  a  number  of  re- 
vivals. That  he  esteemed  one  of  the  best,  most 
important  years  of  his  early  ministry. 

The  fruits  of  his  reading,  and  studying,  and  pray- 
ing began  to  show  with  the  very  beginning  of  his 
ministry.  His  preaching  was  greatly  blessed  of 
God  to  the  salvation  of  precious  souls.  During 
his  first  year  he  attended  a  camp-meeting  not  far 
from  where  Trinity  College  is  located,  and  deliv- 
ered an  exhortation  on  Sabbath  afternoon  which 
was  attended  with  such  displays  of  divine  power 
that  many  crowded  the  altar  of  prayer,  while  a 
great  many  fell  to  the  ground  outside.  Years  after 
he  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  a  number  of  per- 
sons into  the  church,  the  fruits  of  that  exhortation. 
During  his  second  year  on  the  Haw  River  Circuit 
nearly  one  thousand  souls  were  converted  under  his 
ministry,   and  over  three  hundred   and  fifty  were 


256  The  Centennial  of 

added  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Meth- 
odism was  introduced  into  the  town  of  Hillsboro, 
which  was  visited  with  a  gracious  revival  that  year 
for  the  first  time.  While  on  the  Bedford  Circuit 
he  was  greatly  annoyed  with  a  beautiful,  intelli- 
gent young  lady,  who  had  read  the  writings  of  Tom 
Paine,  Voltaire  and  Volney,  and  would  frequently 
throw  out  taunts  on  Christianity,  hoping  to  draw 
him  into  an  argument  upon  that  subject.  He  finally 
determined  to  gratify  her.  One  controversial  con- 
versation was  sufficient.  She  never  mentioned  the 
subject  again.  The  next  year,  as  the  result  of  that 
colloquial  discussion,  she  became  a  pious,  consistent 
member  of  the  church. 

The  four  years  that  Dr.  Doub  spent  on  the  Yad- 
kin District  were  four  years  of  abundant  labors, 
four  years  of  glorious  success,  "and  were  among 
the  happiest  years  of  his  life."  He  had  spent  only 
eight  years  in  the  ministry,  and  naturally  shrank 
from  the  great  responsibility  which  such  a  large 
district  imposed,  but  showed  himself  the  man  for 
the  place.  His  sphere  of  usefulness  was  greatly 
enlarged  and  all  the  powers  of  the  man  were  more 
fully  developed.  That  district  embraced  the  coun- 
ties of  Granville,  Orange,  Person,  Chatham,  Ala- 
mance, Caswell,  Rockingham,  Guilford,  Stokes, 
Forsythe,  Surry,  Yadkin,  Wilkes,  Alexander,  Ire- 
dell, Rowan,  Davie,  Davidson,  parts  of  Randolph, 
Montgomery  and  Warren,  JN'.  C,  and  Halifax,  Pitt- 
sylvania, Franklin,  Henry  and  Patrick,  Ya.  In 
four  years  he  "  traversed  that  territory  about  twenty 
times ;  preached   on  an   average  fifty  times  each 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  257 

round,"'  besides  delivering  "  many  exhortations  and 
addresses  ;  held  one  hundred  and  forty-four  Quar- 
terly Conferences,"  and  not  less  than  fifty  camp- 
meetings,  and  attended  the  General  Conference  in 
Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania.  One  year  he  held  sixteen 
camp-meetings  in  as  many  weeks,  and  preached  at 
each  from  four  to  seven  times.  While  on  his  way  to 
one  of  them  his  horse  died,  and  he  made  the  balance 
of  the  journey  on  foot  and  in  good  time.  During 
those  four  years  two  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
thirty-eight  souls  were  converted  at  meetings  which 
he  conducted  in  person,  to  most  of  whom  he  gave 
personal  advice,  and  more  than  seven  thousand 
were  converted  in  the  district.  The  work  of  revival 
commenced  at  his  very  first  quarterly  meeting. 
"While  preaching  on  Sunday  of  that  meeting  one 
soul  was  converted,  and  all  around  the  district  were 
indications  of  good,  which  were  followed  by  gracious 
revivals.  By  the  time  the  camp-meetings  com- 
menced the  whole  district  was  in  a  revival  state. 
At  a  camp-meeting  in  Henry  county,  Virginia, 
1826,  over  eighty  souls  were  converted.  While  Dr. 
Doub  was  preaching  the  11  o'clock  sermon  on  Sun- 
day of  that  meeting,  five  Infidels  were  converted 
in  the  congregation — two  or  three  of  them  joined 
the  church  before  the  meeting  closed,  and  all  of 
them  became  very  pious.  The  influence  of  that 
meeting  extended  into  the  counties  of  Pittsylvania, 
Patrick,  Franklin,  Virginia,  and  Rockingham, 
Stokes,  Surry,  North  Carolina.  At  a  camp-meeting 
in  July,  at  Ebenezer  Church,  seven  mile  east  of 
Trinity  College,  such  were  the  displays  of  divine 
33 


258  The  Centennial  of 

power  that  for  several  days  only  two  sermons  a  day 
could  be  preached.  In  September  of  the  same  year 
(1826)  he  held  a  camp-meeting  at  Center,  Mont- 
gomery county,  North  Carolina,  at  which  he 
preached  five  or  six  times,  and  exhorted  from  one  to 
three  times  each  day.  More  than  one  hundred  and 
eighty  souls  were  converted,  and  the  work  spread 
rapidly  through  Stanly,  Montgomery,  "Randolph  and 
Davidson  counties.  In  1827  Bishop  McKendre  at- 
tended Dr.  Doub's  camp-meeting  at  Bold  Spring, 
Henry  county,  Virginia,  and  preached  on  Sunday, 
at  11  o'clock,  a  close,  searching  sermon,  which  Doub 
followed  with  an  exhortation  "  in  the  demonstra- 
tion of  the  Spirit  and  of  power,"  and  the  altar  was 
filled  with  penitents,  while  on  the  outside  many 
were  the  slain  of  the  Lord.  Such  was  the  power  of 
the  Spirit  upon  preachers  and  people  that  for  some 
time  the  penitents  were  forgotten,  but  numbers  of 
them  were  converted  while  the  christians  were  re- 
joicing. In  July  of  same  year,  he  held  a  camp- 
meeting  at  Salem  Church,  Randolph  county,  and 
preached  on  Monday  from  the  words,  "  Quench  not 
the  Spirit,"  and  while  preaching  such  was  the 
divine  influence  upon  preachers  and  people,  he 
could  scarcely  proceed  with  his  sera: on.  He  re- 
quested all  who  were  sensible  of  the  presence  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  upon  their  hearts  to  acknowledge 
the  same  by  rising  to  their  feet,  and  the  whole  con- 
gregation, except  one  man,  rose.  And  the  next 
year  he  took  that  man  and  his  whole  family  in  the 
church. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  259 

During  those  four  years  Methodism  was  intro- 
duced into  communities  where  it  had  been  known 
only  to  be  hated.  Many  families  of  high  character 
were  brought  into  its  folds,  and  in  some  places 
whole  neighborhoods  were  reformed. 

There  was  considerable  excitement  in  the  church, 
in  consequence  of  the  action  of  the  General  Confer- 
ence of  1828  upon  the  question  of  lay  representation, 
which  gave  Dr.  Doub  much  anxiety  and  greatly  in- 
creased his  already  arduous  labors.  In  addition  to 
his  constant  preaching  and  the  business  of  his  dis- 
trict, he  frequently  gave  clear  expositions  of  church 
government,  especially  that  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  which  did  much  to  quiet  the  excite- 
ment and  restore  confidence. 

At  the  session  of  the  Virginia  Conference,  at 
Richmond,  Virginia,  February,  1830,  Dr.  Doub 
requested  Bishop  Soule  to  relieve  him  from  the  bur- 
dens of  a  district  and  return  him  to  circuit  work.  He 
served  on  circuits  the  ei^ht  succeedino-  years.  Du- 
ring  those  years  he  gave  himself  with  greater  dili- 
gence, and  delight,  to  the  study  of  the  word  of  God, 
and  to  general  reading.  He  more  fully  matured  his 
thoughts  upon  the  great  doctrines  of  Christianity, 
and  closely  studied  ecclesiastical  history  and  church 
polity.  Much  of  his  preaching  during  those  years 
was  doctrinal,  but  at  the  same  time  experimental 
and  practical.  He  gave  special  prominence  to  holi- 
ness of  heart  and  life,  urging  upon  christians  "  the 
necessity  of  a  full  assurance  of  acceptance  with 
God,"  and  the  importance  of  a  continued  growth  in 
grace.     While  he  preached  to  others  he  neglected 


260  The  Centennial  of 

not  to  cultivate  personal  piety.  He  grew  "  in  grace,, 
and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus 
Christ."  Not  unfrequently  were  his  spiritual  en- 
joyments very  great,  realizing  "gracious  seasons  of 
communion  with  God." 

His  preaching  during  those  eight  years  was  in 
great  power — sometimes  overwhelming.  At  a  camp- 
meeting,  in  1830,  at  Lowe's  Church,  Rockingham 
county,  he  preached  on  Tuesday,  eleven  o'clock 
sermon,  four  hours  and  fifteen  minutes — the  longest 
lie  ever  preached.  There  had  been  but  six  or  eight 
conversions  up  to  that  time,  and  when  the  meeting 
closed  next  morning  there  had  been  sixty.  There 
was  no  more  preaching.  One  man  was  so  impressed 
with  the  sermon  that  he  did  not  leave  his  seat  till 
sunset.  "  He  went  home  and  told  his  family  to 
get  ready  and  go  to  the  camp-meeting  that  night 
and  get  religion"  When  they  returned  they  went 
directly  into  the  altar  and  were  all  converted  that 
night,  and  next  morning  all  joined  the  church.  At 
a  camp-meeting  at  Pleasant  Garden,  Guilford 
county,  he  was  appointed  to  preach  a  sermon  on 
Salification,  and  given  two  hours  to  preach  it  in. 
"  He  commenced  at  11  o'clock  A.  M.  and  closed  a 
few  minutes  before  3  o'clock  P.  M.  At  night  pen- 
itents were  invited  into  the  altar  for  the  first  time, 
and  eighty  came  at  the  first  call.  The  work  con- 
tinued day  and  night  without  cessation — the  lights 
were  not  put  out  till  Wednesday  night — during 
which  time  one  hundred  and  twenty  persons  pro- 
fessed religion."*     Moses   Brock,    Presiding   Elder 

*Rev.  James  Needham,  Surry  Co.,  N.  C,  who  was  present. 


Methodism  in  ISTorth  Carolina.  2G1 

of  the  District,  said  he  never  saw  such  an  effect 
produced  by  one  sermon.  And  Dr.  Donb  said  he 
saw  Christianity  in  a  light  while  preaching  that  ser- 
mon he  had  never  seen  before — he  nor  the  people 
had  any  idea  when  he  closed  that  he  had  been  preach- 
ing more  than  two  hours.* 

While  on  the  Pittsylvania  Circuit  he  preached  on 
controversial  subjects  at  all  the  appointments,  and 
not  a  few  were  brought  to  Christ  by  those  sermons. 

The  Danville  and  Salisbury  Districts  were  a  part 
of  the  old  Yadkin  District.  The  former  had  only 
seven  pastoral  charges,  but  he  gave  all  his  time  to 
the  district.  The  intervals  between  his  quarterly 
meetings  were  spent  in  preaching  and  administer- 
ing the  ordinances  on  the  different  circuits.  In  the 
three  years  he  spent  on  that  district  he  visited  and 
preached  at  nearly  every  church  within  its  bounds. 

He  tells  us  that  during  those  three  j^ears,  "  his 
views  in  many  respects  were  greatly  enlarged  in 
regard  to  the  economy  of  salvation — especially  of 
the  great  importance  of  the  christian  ministry." 
His  mind  and  his  heart  grew  all  the  while.  He 
magnified  his  office  and  his  work,  and  his  office  and 
his  work  magnified  him. 

Thus  he  continued  through  his  whole  ministerial 
life,  giving  all  his  strength  of  mind  and  heart  and 
body  to  his  great  work,  when  not  disqualified  by 
sickness,  and  all  the  while  God  abundantly  owning 
his  labors  in  the  salvation  of  souls.  The  year  that 
he  lectured  on  temperance  he  preached  fifty-one 
times  on    Sabbaths,    canvassed    nearly  the  whole 

*The  late  Rev.  D.  W.  Doub. 


26%  The  Centennial  of 

State  and  lectured   two  or   three  times  each  week, 
and  was  much  improved  in  health. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  1846  he  was  not  able  to 
attend  Conference  because  of  personal  affliction. 
He  entrusted  his  business  in  the  hands  of  a  friend* 
and  repaired  to  his  family,  not  far  from  Greens- 
boro. He  superintended  a  small  farm  the  follow- 
ing year,  and  "abstained  almost  entirely  from 
preaching."  His  main  business  ',vas  to  regain  his- 
health,  and  to  that  he  gave  his  special  care.  By 
the  close  of  that  year  his  health  was  sufficiently 
restored  to  take  light  work,  and  he  was  appointed 
to  Greensboro  Station,  where  he  could  have  the 
assistance  of  Rev.  A.  M.  Shipp,  D.  D.,  who  was  at 
that  time  President  of  Greensboro1  Female  College. 

The  close  of  his  three  years  on  the  Greensboro 
District  terminated  his  active  labors  in  the  min- 
istry. His  appointment  after  that,  till  his  happy 
death,  was  to  Trinity  College  as  Professor  of  Bib- 
lical Literature.  That  position  he  tilled  with  great 
credit  to  himself  and  great  usefulness  to  the  college 
and  to  the  church.  He  was  as  happy  in  the  pre- 
sentation of  his  subjects  in  the  lecture  room  as  lie 
had  been  before  the  great  congregations.  He  never 
ceased  to  learn,  and  he  never  ceased  to  teach  till 
called  to  his  reward  on  high. 

Dr.  Doub  spent  twenty-one  years  on  circuits; 
twenty-one  on  districts  ;  four  on  stations  ;  rested 
one;  temperance  lecturer  one;  and  Professor  of 
Biblical  Literature  in  Trinity  College   three.     The 


*Rev.  William  Closs,  D.  D. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  263 

good  that  he  accomplished   in  those  fifty-one  years 
is   fully  known   only    to  the  Great  Judge.     Saint 
Paul,  in  defending-    his  claim    to    the   apostleship 
before  the  church  at  Corinth,  said  :     "  The  seals  of 
mine    apostleship   are   ye   in    the    Lord."      If  one 
•church  which  he  had  planted  in  only  one  place  was 
sufficient   to  establish  his  divine  right  to  the  min- 
istry, surely  the  thousands   of  seals  that  Dr.  Doub 
has  both   in  heaven   and   upon   earth  will  put  his 
character  as  a  true  minister  of  the  New  Testament 
beyond  a  question.     "  By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know 
them."     The  mention  of  the  name  of  Peter  Doub 
to-day  thrills   ten  thousand  hearts   all  through  the 
large    sections    of  North    Carolina    where    he    has 
preached  the  gospel  of  Christ.     Numberless  pleas- 
ant and  sacred   memories  linger  around  that  name 
wherever  known.     It  is  without  a  shadow  upon  it, 
and  it  has  never  been  overshadowed  by  any  other.' 
It  may  be  profitable  to  inquire  what  were  the 
elements  of  his  success  in  winning  souls  to  Christ, 
"  He  that  winneth  souls  is  wise,"  "and  such  wisdom 
is  always  worthy  the  most  candid  consideration. 

1.  The  first  element  we  shall  notice  was  his  fi- 
delity. His  life  was  spotlessly  pure,  free  from 
guile,  without  ostentation.  He  was  true  in  every 
relation  in  life- a  devoted  husband,  an  affectionate 
and  provident  father,  a  faithful  friend  and  a  devout 
christian.  He  exercised  himself  "to  have  always 
a  conscience  void  of  offence  towards  God  and 
towards  men."  Especially  did  he  "  study  to  show  " 
himself  "approved  unto  God,  a  workman  that 
needeth  not  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word 
of  truth."     When  he  appeared  in  the  pulpit  it  was 


204  The  Centennial  of 

not  in  the  fear  of  human  criticism,  but  in  the  name 
of  Jehovah,  remembering  that  God  was  his  Judge, 
that  it  was  God's  truth  he  was  to  proclaim,  and 
that  it  was  for  immortal  souls  lie  was  to  plead. 
He  preached  to  please  God,  not  men.  He  preached 
to  save  men,  not  to  win  their  admiration. 

2.  His  deep  sympathy  was  another  element  of  his 
success.  He  grew  up  in  the  country  with  the  yeo- 
manry of  the  land,  and  fully  understood  their  feel- 
ings, their  difficulties,  their  wants.  The  people 
always  felt  that  he  was  one  of  them.  They  loved 
him  and  he  loved  them.  He  knew  how  to  reach 
their  hearts,  and  they  always  "  heard  him  gladly  "' 
and  with  great  profit. 

3.  Another  element  of  his  success  was  the  subject- 
matter  of  his  preaching.  His  great  themes  were 
the  great  doctrines  of  the  Bible — human  depravity  ; 
the  Atonement,  its  extent  and  efficiency  ;  Repent- 
ance ;  Justification  by  faith  ;  Regeneration  ;  Saneti- 
lication ;  Witness  of  the  Spirit ;  and  practical  God- 
liness. All  these  were  urged  with  holy  zeal  and 
heart-felt  earnestness.  In  his  preaching  he  always' 
aimed  at  a  sound,  clear  exposition  of  scriptural 
truth.  His  object  was  to  make  plain  and  forcible 
whatever  subject  he  attempted  to  discuss.  Hence 
he  was  always  interesting  and  instructive.  His 
longest  sermons  never  tired  his  audiences.  Boys 
would  listen  to  him  with  perfect  attention  for  two 
hours  and  a  half,  and  then  regret  that  his  sermon 
was  so  short. 

4.  His  strong  faith  in  God  and  His  word  was 
another  element  of  his  success.     He  believed  God. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  265 

He  did  not  preach  for  popular  effect,  but  he  did 
preach  for  results  because  God  had  promised  them. 
His  faith  took  hold  of  the  promises  of  God — of  the 
gospel  of  Christ.  "  It  pleased  God  by  the  foolish- 
ness of  preaching  to  save  them  that  believe,11  and 
Dr.  Doub  fully  expected  God  to  save  men  by  his 
preaching.  He  preached  because  he  was  called  of 
God,  and  preached  not  himself,  but  "  Christ  Jesus 
the  Lord — preached  Christ  crucified,  "  the  power 
of  God  and  the  wisdom  of  God.11  His  confidence 
was  that  God  would  bless  the  instrumentality  which 
He  had  ordained  to  save  sinners,  and  God  honored 
that  confidence. 

5.  The  chief  element  of  his  success  has  been 
already  anticipated.  He  was  "  endued  with  power 
from  on  high."  He  learned  in  the  very  beginning 
of  his  ministry  that  of  himself  he  could  do  nothing. 
That  lesson  was  never  forgotten.  He  tells  us  him- 
self that  it  "  saved  him  many  a  time  afterwards 
from  pride  and  presumj? tionP  He  trusted  God  for 
help.  Ever  feeling  his  own  weakness,  he  was 
humble,  and  went  "boldly  to  a  throne  of  grace" 
and  found  "  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need  God 
made  him  an  able  minister  of  the  New  Testament, 
"  not  of  the  letter,  but  of  the  spirit." 

How  could  such  a  life  of  consecration,  of  labor, 
of  prayer,  of  faith,  of  heavenly  anointing,  fail? 
How  could  it  be  otherwise  than  glorious.  It  is  full 
of  instruction  and  encouragement. 

Dr.  Doub  was  not  a  leader,  but  a  wise  counsellor. 
His  mind  was  profound,  with  all  its  faculties  evenly 
and  well  developed.     It   was  not  of  the  order  of 
34 


2T>6  The  Centennial  of 

mind  of  Moses,  George  Washington  and  John1 
Wesley,  nor  of  Saint  Paul,  Napoleon  Bonaparte 
and  Henry  B.  Bascoinb ;  but  of  Elijah,  John  the 
Baptist,  and  John  Fletcher.  He  always  acted 
Under  a  stern  sense  of  duty — was  ever  ready  to 
toil  and  endure  when  duty  called. 

lie  was  seven  times  elected  a  delegate  to  the  Gen- 
eral Conference,  and  "  was  always  regarded  as  a 
valuable  member."*  He  rarely  ever  made  speeches 
on  the  Conference  floor,  either  General  or  Annual. 
He  served  on  a  number  of  important  committees  in 
those  bodies.  In  the  memorable  General  Confer- 
ence of  1844  he  was  placed  on  the  committees  on 
Slavery  and  Itinerancy.  Says  one  who  served  with 
him  on  several  of  those  committees,  "He  always 
evinced  great  modesty,  thoughtfulness,  and  manly 
firmness  ;  ever  seemed  to  entertain  proper  views  of 
all  difficult  subjects,  and  was  considered  a  wise  and 
safe  counsellor.1' 

lie  was  also  in  the  Louisville  Convention  of  1845, 
which  organized  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
South  ;  and  was  placed  on  the  committee  on  Organ- 
ization. In  that  committee  he  proposed  the  name 
which  the  church  now  bears.  He  had  first  proposed 
that  name  in  a  committee  of  the  North  Carolina 
Annual  Conference. 

Dr.  Doub  used  his  pen  a  great  deal,  but  rarely 
ever,  if  ever,  wrote  his  sermons  before  preaching 
them.  He  has  left  a  number  of  sermons  in  manu- 
script on  various  subjects ;  and  a  large  number  of 


*Dr.  J.  B.  McFerrin. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  267 

sketches  and  skeletons.  Judging  from  a  few  speci- 
mens those  sketches  are  very  comprehensive  and  ex- 
haustive. He  has  also  left  several  works  in  manu- 
script, which  were  not  published  for  the  want  of 
means.  Besides,  he  has  left  a  large  number  of  other 
manuscripts  on  a  variety  of  subjects;  an  autobio- 
graphy, which  was  of  no  little  advantage  in  prepar- 
ing this  eulogy  ;  and  a  two  years  course  of  Lectures 
on  Divinity,  which  he  delivered  at  Trinity  College. 
"  His  mind  was  richly  stored  with  scriptural  knowl- 
edge ;  his  perceptions  were  clear ;  and  his  memory 
remarkable  He  thought  profoundly,  and  spoke 
and  wrote  clearly  and  strongly."* 

But  the  greatest  work  which  he  has  left  the  church 
is  his  luminous  life.  It  is  not  claimed  that  he  was 
faultless,  for  he  was  human.  But  his  faults,  like  the 
spots  on  the  sun,  are  insignificant  when  compared 
with  his  man}-  and  excellent  virtues,  and  are  only 
seen  by  the  resplendent  light  of  those  virtues  He 
would  not  knowingly  do  wrong;  nor  be  guilty  of 
the  least  impropriety.  Whatever  may  have  been  his 
infirmity,  he  always  did  his' duty.  He  "served  his 
own  generation  by  the  will  of  God/'  His  eye  was 
single.  His  heart  was  pure.  He  was  "  holy  in  all 
manner  of  conversation,11  genial  and  edifying.  He 
was  prudent  in  word  and  in  deed.  Whoever  heard 
him  speak  ill  of  any  one?  Whoever  knew  him  to 
judge  censoriously?  His  great  purpose  in  life  was 
to  keep  the  faith  and  finish  his  course  with  joy.  He 
was  "an  example  of  believers,  in  word,  in  conversa- 

*Bishop  Paine. 


268  The  Centennial  of 

tion,  in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity."  O  let 
liis  memory  long  live  in  our  hearts  to  encourage  us 
to  greater  diligence  and  usefulness — to  a  stronger 
confidence  in  the  gospel  of  the  Son  of  God 

When  the  final  conflict  came  he  was  ready.  As 
the  time  of  his  departure  drew  near,  his  visions  of 
the  more  excellent  glory  grew  brighter.  Even  while 
in  health  his  soul  was  all  a  glow  with  the  joys  of 
the  upper  world.  The  gospel  of  Christ,  which  he 
so  long  and  so  faithfully  preached  to  others,  was  the 
power  of  God  unto  his  own  salvation.  While  lin- 
gering on  the  confines  of  glory  he  remembered  his 
companions  in  the  gospel.  His  dying  message  to 
them  was,  "Tell  the  brethren  at  Conference,  if  I 
am  dead  I  am  living;  if  I  am  alive  I  am  working 
my  way  to  the  skies."  "Precious  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord  is  the  death  of  his  saints."  Our  venerable 
father  in  Ciirist  is  gone.  "He  is  not  dead  but 
sleepeth." 

"Behold  the  western  evening  light, 

It  melts  in  deepening  gloom : 
So  calmly  christians  sink  away, 

Descending  to  the  tomb. 

"How  mildly  on  the  wandering  cloud 

The  sunset  beam  is  cast ! 
'Tis  like  the  memory  left  behind 

When  loved  ones  breathe  their  last. 

"And  now,  above  the  clouds  of  night, 

The  yellow  star  appears : 
So  faith  springs  in  the  hearts  of  those 

Whose  eyes  are  bathed  in  tears. 


CM* 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  261* 

"But  soon  the  morning's  happier  light 

Its  glory  shall  restore: 
And  eye-lids  that  are  sealed  in  death 

Shall  wake  to  close  no  more.7' 

The  choir  ssang.  Rev.  M.  L.  Wood,  A.  M.,  pro- 
nounced the  benediction. 

EVENING  session, 

March  24,  1876. 

Metropolitan  Hall,  %  o'clock  P.  M.,  Bishop  H, 
KMcTyeire,  D.  D.,  in  the  chair. 

Religious  services  conducted  by  the  Bishop,  as- 
sisted by  Rev.  Daniel  Culbreth. 

A  collection  was  taken  by  Dr.  Burkhead  to  pay 
for  use  of  Hall. 

The  rain  pours  down  ;  but  the  Hall  is  packed, 
until  there  is  no  longer  standing  room.  Bishop 
Marvin  is  to  speak.  He  is  a  great  favorite  with  the 
people  of  Raleigh.  They  have  heard  him  often  be- 
fore; and  hence  they  press  through  rain  and  mud 
to  hear  him  again. 

The  chairman  introduces  Bishop  E.  M.  Marvin, 
D.  D.,  of  Saint  Louis,  Missouri,  and  announces  his 
subject : 

"  METHODISM — ITS    REVIVAL    HISTORY." 

Bishop  Marvin  said  : 
Mr.  President,  Ladies  mid  Gentlemen: 

Revivals  are  no  mere  incident  of  Methodism.  It 
is  itself  a  revival.     The  entire  significance  of  it  is 


270  The  Centennial  of 

given  in  that  word.  It  originated  in  no  dissatis- 
faction with  any  form  of  church  government.  It 
did  not  undertake  to  form  a  new  church.  That  it 
liltimated  in  distinct  church  organizations  was  due 
to  no  design  of  those  who  were  its  first  and  prin- 
cipal instruments,  but  to  the  fact  that  its  innate 
force  was  too  great  to  stop  short  of  that  result.  It 
was  too  vital  to  find  expression  in  existing  organi- 
zations. It  had,  of  necessity,  to  create  its  own 
organs  of  expression  and  action.  If  it  had  found 
an  adequate  organization  it  would  have  been  only 
too  glad  to  use  it.  The  originators  of  it  were  not 
aware  that  the  methods  and  agencies  they  were 
setting  on  foot  would,  by  a  vital  law  which  was  in 
them,  develop  into  a  most  imposing  church  organ- 
ization— an  organization  having  greater  reproduc- 
tive efficiency  than  any  other  in  Christendom.  Mr. 
Wesley  saw  it  and  accepted  it  before  he  died.  But 
that  occurred  at  a  very  late  period  of  his  life,  and 
it  seems  unaccountable  to  us  now  that  a  man  of  his 
wonderful  acumen  should  have  been  so  slow  to 
make  the  discovery. 

If  it  did  not  originate  from  any  revolutionary 
dissatisfaction  with  church  government,  neither  did 
it  spring  from  any  new  opinions  as  to  dogma.  The 
time-honored  symbols  of  the  Church  of  England 
were  cordially  accepted.  The  Methodists  sought 
to  establish  no  new  Article  of  Faith.  It  is  true 
that  it  gave  birth  to  certain  phases  of  dogmatic 
belief,  though  it  created  no  new  article.  But  as  its 
church  organization  was  the  unpremeditated  crys- 
talization  of  its  revival   methods  and  agencies,  so 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  271 

Were  its  doctrinal  phases  the  inevitable   expression 
of  its  revival  spirit. 

Methodism  was  not  a  revolution  against  existing 
ecclesiastical  authority  nor  against  established  doc* 
trines,  but  a  revival  of  religion.  It  was  just  that 
— nothing  Jess— nothing  more. 

The   church  was  effete.     The  spirit  of  religion 
was  at  low  water  mark.     Many  of  the  clergy  of  the 
establishment  were  godless  men.    Even  among  the 
Dissenters  there  was  a  deplorable  decay  of  piety 
Here  and  there  were  a  few   faithful  souls,  as  there 
always  are  in  times  of  the  deepest  religions  declen- 
sion.    But  for    the   most  part  there  was  a  deathly 
stupor  upon    the  churches.     Skepticism    was  Won- 
derfully fashionable,  and  the  grosser  forms  of  infi- 
delity abounded.     When  the  forms  of  religion  were 
attended  to  they  were  vapid— without  power  either 
over  the  heart  or  conscience.     It  almost  seemed  as 
rf  religion    were  ready  to   perish   out  of  the  land 
-but  in  the  dread  extremity  God  revived  His  work 
and  raised  up  the  "  people  called  Methodists." 

■  All  revivals  are  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
They  are  never  manipulated  into  existence  When 
religion  is  revived  God  does  it  Nothing  can  sub- 
stitute the  divine  presence  and  power.  The  "  times 
of  refreshing  "  are  «  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  " 
^  The  power  that  worketh  in  us  "  is  the  same  that 
raised  up  Jesus  again  from  the  dead."  It  is  "  the 
Holy  Ghost  sent  down  from  heaven."  It  is  the 
Comforter  sent  by  Jesus  when  He  «  ascended  on 
high  to  receive  gifts  for  man,  yea  for  the  rebellious 
also,  that  God  might  dwell  among  them-" 


:272:  The  Centennial  of 

But  God  always  works  among  men  throirgls 
human  media,  so  that  while  "  the  power  is  of  God,"' 
"  it  worketh  mightly  in  "'  His  people.  It  makes 
them  its  organs,  and  becomes  operative  and  diffu- 
sive through  them. 

These  manifestations  of  God's  presence  and  work 
in  the  church  are  not  always  present  in  the  same 
degree  of  fulness  and  vigor.  Throughout  the  his- 
tory of  the  church  there  have  been  times  of  declen- 
sion and  "  times  of  refreshing.1' 

Perhaps  there  was  never  a  revival  from  the  time 
of  the  Apostles  to  this  time,  of  so  remarkable  a 
character  as  that  one  which  we  have  under  consid- 
eration to-day — that  of  which  John  Wesley  was  the 
chief  instrument,  and  which  lias  taken  its  place  in 
history  under  the  name  of  Methodism. 

I  shall  speak  of  this  revival  under  the  following 
analysis  of  the  subject:  1.  Its  Origin  ;  2.  Its 
Methods  ;  3.  Its  Effects. 

I.  I  have  already  said  that  all  revivals  come  from 
God.  They  are  His  work.  Too  great  emphasis 
cannot  be  given  to  this  fact  It  must  not,  in  any 
case,  be  lost  sight  of.  The  power  is  of  God.  If, 
then,  the  Wesleyan  movement  was  a  genuine  re- 
vival, it  was  the  work  of  God.  To  believe  that  it 
was  so  in  fact  is  not  mere  credulity.  Observation 
of  the  facts  demonstates  it  to  be  so.  I  speak  this 
with  great  confidence.  If  this  be  so,  its  origin  was 
just  the  origin  of  all  revivals.  It  was  a  special  out- 
pouring of  the  Holy  Ghost.  The  genesis  of  all 
vital  movements  tending  to  holiness  is  in  God. 

Yet  the  Methodist  revival  as  a  distinct  movement 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  273 

has  a  well  defined  identity,  not  in  time  only,  but 
also  in  character,  from  the  first.  In  its  essential 
nature  it  is  one  with  all  revivals,  as  it  is  God-given, 
as  it  is  a  great  awakening  of  conscience,  and  as  it 
achieves  the  work  of  individual  salvation.  Its  dif- 
ferentia must  be  sought  in  the  measure  and  inten- 
sity of  the  divine  working,  in  the  external  condi- 
tions in  which  it  arose,  and  in  the  personal  traits 
of  the  men  who  were  its  first  instruments. 

The  measure  and  intensity  of  the  divine  working 
apparent  in  the  outset  of  Methodism  lias  scarcely 
been  equaled  since  apostolic  times.  If  its  measure 
is  to  be  determined  by  its  rapid  spread,  and  the 
numbers  affected  by  it,  its  volume  can  scarcely  be 
overestimated  ;  and  if  its  intensity  is  to  be  ascer- 
tained in  the  acuteness  of  its  effect  in  the  individual 
conscience,  its  clear  discovery  of  sin,  and  its  well 
defined  experience  of  grace  in  the  witness  of  the 
Spirit  and  conscious  power  over  temptation,  it  must 
be  taken  as  the.  most  remarkable  that  has  been 
wrought  through  the  agency  of  uninspired  men. 
There  have  not  been  wanting  instances  of  revival 
power  equal,  in  a  given  area  and  a  limited  time,  to 
the  grandest  displays  of  the  divine  presence  in  the 
ministry  of  Mr.  Wesley  and  his  coadjutors.  But 
they  were  of  short  duration  and  confined  to  limited 
areas.  They  did  not  remain  as  a  persistent  force 
in  Christendom.  They  exhausted  themselves  in  a 
few  years  and  left  the  churches  visited  by  them  in 
their  former  condition  of  stupor  and  inefficiency. 
But  Methodism  is  a  permanent  revival  force.  No 
doubt  many  locak  societies  lose  their  vitality,  as 
35 


274  Teie  Centennial  of 

well  as  multitudes  of  individual  members.  There 
are,  also,  periods  of  comparative  dead?) ess.  But  to 
this  day  the  revival  spirit  is  the  normal  condition 
of  the  Methodist  churches.  The  New  England 
revivals  under  the  ministry  of  Edwards  and  others 
were  as  remarkable  in  their  time  and  locality,  but 
they  soon  exhausted  themselves,  while  this  one  goes 
on  renewing  itself  perpetually. 

The  external  conditions  under  which  -Methodism, 
originated  must  be  considered  as  determining,  in 
no  inconsiderable  degree,  its  special  characteristics. 
The  conditions  were  essentially  different  from  those 
which  surrounded  any  one  of  the  former  great  his- 
toric movements  of  Christianity,  and  they  indicate 
the  precise  character  of  the  work  to  be  done  ;  for 
God's  work  in  religion  is  the  expression  of  Himself 
upon  human  society. 

The  conditions  in  which  this  work  arose  were  the 
resultant  of  all  that  had  gone  before  in  the  vital 
history  of  the  church.  The  church,  like  individual 
life,  "  continueth  not  in  one  stay,"  but  all  that  is  in 
its  history  goes  to  modify  successive  phases  of  its 
progress,  and  the  particular  state  of  things  existing 
at  any  one  time  must  determine  the  character  of 
any  new  movement  arising  at  the  time.  The  im- 
mediate object  is  always  the  salvation  of  men,  and 
as  an  incident  of  that,  the  renovation  of  society. 
But  the  means  by  which  this  is  to  be  effected  will 
be  modified,  in  some  measure,  by  prevalent  thought 
and  prevalent  customs,  as  they  may  be  related  to 
spiritual  life. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  275 

At  the  outset  of  Christianity  everything  had  to 
be  done.  Religious  thought  had  to  be  renovated, 
and  the  customs  of  society,  to  a  great  extent,  revo- 
lutionized. Christian  doctrine  was  new,  and  as 
strange  as  it  was  new.  It  had  to  make  its  place  in 
literature,  and  to  become  naturalized  in  the  world 
of  thought.  The  prevalent  thinking  of  mankind 
was  such  as  to  make  the  entrance  of  christian  ideas 
difficult.  The  early  ages  of  the  church,  then,  would 
inevitably  be  marked  by  this  conflict  of  ideas.  Even 
among  the  Jews  there  was  inappetency  of  thought. 
The  reception  of  christian  doctrine  was  difficult. 
Though  the  imperfect  statement  of  the  same  truth 
had  been  among  them  for  ages,  yet  the  doctrine  of 
Christ  found  them  unprepared  for  its  deepest  im- 
port. Much  more  was  this  so  with  the  Gentiles. 
Religious  thought  among  them  was,  for  the  most 
part,  utterly  and  grossly  false.  They  had  been  in 
the  dark  too  long  to  be  able  to  receive  the  light, 
bursting  at  once  in  its  full  splendor  upon  them. 
The  eye  must  become  gradually  adjusted  to  the 
blaze. 

In  this  conflict  of  ideas  St.  Paul  bore  a  conspic- 
uous and,  indeed,  the  principal  part.  With  won- 
derful force  and  accuracy  he  stated  and  defined  the 
doctrine.  The  energy  with  which  his  epistles 
wrought  upon  mind  and  forced  themselves  into  the 
field  of  thought  is  inconceivable. 

Thus  in  the  earliest  ages  men  had  not  onlv  to  be 
brought  to  reverence  the  Word  and  receive  Christ, 
as  now,  but  the  traditional  beliefs  of  ages  had  to 
be  combatted  and  overcome.     Long  after  the  time 


276  The  Centennial  of 

of  the  Apostles  this  conflict  constituted,  in  great 
part,  the  work  of  the  christian  propagandist,  andy 
of  course,  to  this  clay  it  characterizes  the  ministry 
of  the  missionary  among  heathen  people,  with  this 
difference,  that  the  missionary  has  the  conscious 
support  of  the  predominant  civilization  of  his  time, 
and  the  resources  of  an  inexhaustible  dogmatic  lit- 
erature. 

The  result  of  this  conflict  you  know.  The  faith 
of  Christ  conquered.  But  the  conquest  was  far 
from  being  complete.  The  faith  of  the  leading 
nations  of  the  world  was  gained.  Christ  was  ac- 
cepted as  the  Son  of  God  and  the  Lord  of  Heaven. 
But  the  renovation  of  religious  thought  was  incom- 
plete. In  the  conflict  of  thought,  while  Jupiter 
went  down  before  Christ,  heathen  ideas  lodged 
themselves  largely  in  the  body  of  christian  doc- 
trine. For  ages  this  continued.  Mary  and  the  saints 
were  very  much  among  the  unenlightened  christian 
peoples  of  Europe  what  the  gods  and  goddesses  had 
been  among  the  ignorant  heathen.  The  great 
Pauline  doctrine  of  justification  was  obscured,  and 
in  fact  displaced,  and  auricular  confession,  penances 
and  priestly  absolution  prevailed.  Much  funda- 
mental truth  there  was,  indeed,  in  the  thought  of 
Christendom— sufficient  for  leven — but  there  was 
this  prevalent  heathen  taint  corrupting  and  blight- 
ing all.  Upon  the  true  doctrine  the  remaining 
heathenism  rested  like  an  incubus  and  operated  an 
actual  paralysis  of  its  vital  functions. 

This  continued  until  the  dawn  of  the  sixteenth 
century.     It  was  not    absolutely  universal,  but  it 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  277 

was  altogether  prevalent.  Individuals  and,  indeed, 
some  considerable  sects,  had  gone  the  whole  length 
of  christian  truth,  but  the  church  at  large  was  half 
heathen. 

The  Reformation  was  in  an  important  sense  a 
revival,  but  it  was  a  revival  the  great  features  of 
which  were  dogmatic.  Its  first  achievement  was 
in  the  field  of  doctrine.  It  combatted  directly, 
not  sin  so  much  as  error.  It  was  the  conflict  of  the 
divine  truth  with  the  heathenism  that  was  still 
rooted  in  the  church.  It  was  not  a  direct  combat 
of  heathenism,  but  of  heathenism  remaining  in 
christian  thought. 

The  Reformers  had  these  two  great  advantages 
over  the  Apostles  :  First,  thought  had  now  been 
modified  for  ages  by  the  presence  of  vital  truth, 
and  though  the  truth  had  not  rooted  out  the  error, 
it  was  yet  present  with  it  and  was  more  or  less 
vital  as  a  factor  determining  the  results  of  thought. 
Thought  was  thus  prepared  for  the  ultimate  state- 
ment of  christian  doctrine,  which  was  the  chief 
work  of  the  Reformation,  while  the  Apostles  had 
the  total  depravity  of  heathen  thought  to  contend 
with.  Secondly,  the  Reformers  had  acknowledged 
standards  of  doctrine  to  appeal  to.  They  had,  in 
fact,  all  the  preceding  conquests  of  christian  thought 
as  a  base  of  operations.  As  in  the  earliest  ages 
christian  thought  strove  with  the  idolatry  and  su- 
perstition of  heathenism  in  their  unmitigated  forms, 
so  now,  becoming  conscious  of  the  imperfection  of 
former  achievements,  it  made  its  final  assault  upon 
the   modified  heathenism  of  the  church.     A  chief 


27S  The  Centennial  of 

feature  of  the  early  centuries  was  the  convocation 
of  councils  to  define  doctrines.  So  the  first  two 
hundred  years  of  the  Reformation  were  crowded 
with  synods  and  assemblies,  whose  chief  employ- 
ment was  to  define  doctrine.  What  fecundity  of 
thought  there  was !  What  a  multitude  of  "  Con- 
fessions of  Faith."  Not  that  the  Reformation  was 
wholly  dogmatic.  It  extended  to  the  domain  of 
morals  and  of  experience.  It  was  a  revival,  but 
active  mainly  on  the  dogmatic  side. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  eighteenth  century  the 
evangelical  doctrine  was  well  established  and  de- 
li tied  in  Protestant  Christendom.  But  the  church 
had  been  too  exclusively  occupied  with  dogma, 
and  vital  godliness  was  sadly  wanting.  Not  that 
doctrine  is  unimportant — it  is  vital.  It  is  the  basis 
of  everything  in  religion.  The  church  can  never 
be  indifferent  to  it  without  becoming  corrupt.  But 
it  is  possible  for  the  church  to  be  so  occupied  with 
mere  controversy  as  to  be  diverted  from  the  great 
work  of  saving  souls.  The  results  of  controversy, 
nevertheless,  are  often  most  important.  Accuracy 
of  definition  and  precision  of  thought  come  of  it, 
and  truth  is  made  to  rest  on  a  solid  foundation  of 
intelligent  conviction.  This  result  had  been  reached 
when  Mr.  Wesley  appeared,  so  that  whatever  of 
doctrinal  controversy  arose  in  connection  with  his 
work  it  was  incidental,  and  never  became  to  be  so 
absorbing  as  to  divert  attention  from  the  immediate 
object  of  saving  souls.  It  was,  moreover,  mainly 
of  a  metapliysical  character,  involving  points  of 
difference  not  fundamental  in  christian  belief. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  279 

But  religion,  experimental  and  practical,  was  at 
a  low  ebb.  As  a  result  of  this,  infidelity  abounded. 
There  was  crying  need  of  a  revival.  The  founda- 
tion of  doctrine  was  deeply  laid,  and  the  time  had 
come  for  a  new  advance.  The  doctrine  must  be 
vitalized.  The  baptism  must  come  upon  the  teach- 
ing. The  Holy  Ghost  must  be  given  with  the 
Word. 

Thus  the  external  conditions  indicate  the  char- 
acter of  this  movement.  In  the  domain  of  dogma 
the  battle  has  been  fought.  Every  intensive  foreign 
element  of  thought  has  been  eliminated.  The  pure 
truth  has  been  reached  in  the  creed. 

But  spiritual  death  is  everywhere.  The  church 
is  stagnant.  Formalism  and  wickedness  abound 
together  in  the  church.  It  is  time  for  God  to  work. 
He  is  preparing  a  chosen  instrument.  Wesley  ap- 
pears. He  has  one  work  to  do — only  one  By  him 
God  will  raise  up  a  people  to  "  spread  scripture 
holiness  over  the  land."  On  this  one  point  he  con- 
centrates all  the  marvellous  energies  of  his  life. 
He  deals  with  men's  consciences  solely.  He  does 
not  ignore  doctrine  at  all.  His  ministry  is  full  of 
it.  It  is  the  groundwork  of  all  he  does.  But  in  a 
general  way  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  is  so  wide- 
spread that  he  has  little  occasion  for  polemics.  He 
would  be  the  last  man  in  the  world  to  compromise 
vital  truth  by  a  time-serving  policy.  He,  above  all 
men  of  his  time,  knows  that  godliness  is  grounded 
in  truth.  His  preaching  is  full  of  doctrine,  deliv- 
ered with  statement  so  clear-cut  as  to  leave  no 
room  for  doubt  as  to  his  meaning,  and  carried  home 


280  The  Centennial  of 

with  argument  so  clear  and  skillful  and  with  scrip- 
ture proof  so  full  as  to  carry  everything  before  it. 
But  all  was  so  handled  as  to  bear  directly  upon  his 
one  object,  that  is  to  show  men  the  sinfulness  of 
sin,  the  inexcusable  guilt  of  it,  and  the  fulnesss  and 
freeness  of  salvation  in  Jesus  Christ.  He  makes 
every  ray  of  doctrinal  light  converge  to  a  focus  on 
the  great  matters  involved  in  our  personal  relation 
to  God.  He  put  the  doctrines  of  the  Cross  in  a  new 
and  stronger  light,  in  which  sin  is  seen  to  be  "ex- 
ceeding sinful,"  and  the  wrath  of  God  to  be  im- 
mediately suspended  over  men's  heads  ;  while  yet 
He  that  is  "  mighty  to  save"  is  discovered  near  at 
hand,  the  urgency  of  whose  love  at  once  offers  a 
sure  refuge  to  all  who  repent  and  augments  the 
guilt  of  the  hardened  wicked  who  despise  it. 

This  is  purely  a  revival  of  religion.  There  is  no 
waste  of  energy  on  incidental  objects.  It  all  goes 
to  the  one  end.  The  external  conditions  are  so  far 
favorable  as  that  they  require  no  attention  to  side 
issues.  Sin  and  its  remedy  engross  attention.  Mr. 
Wesley  enters  into  the  heritage  of  the  christian 
ages  in  finding  popular  thought  prepared  for  the 
truth.  lie  has  to  do  only  with  the  question  of  per- 
sonal salvation.  He  calls  men  to  repentance  and 
to  Christ. 

The  personal  traits  of  its  principal  instruments, 
1  have  said,  are  to  be  considered  in  determining 
what  is  peculiar  and  characteristic  in  Methodism. 
For  while  every  revival  is  from  God,  as  the  product 
of  His  presence  and  mighty  working,  yet  He  always 
operates  through  agencies.     This  is  no  less  true    in 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  281 

the  spiritual  kingdom  than  it  is  in  nature.  His 
grace  floAvs  out  through  human  channels,  and  the 
expression  of  it  is  modified  by  the  media  through 
which  it  acts. 

Mr.  Wesley  was  not  only  the  principal  instru- 
ment of  this  work,  but  may  be  said  to  be  the  sole 
agent  of  it  as  to  its  origin.  As  it  is  distinct  from 
all  other  movements,  he  originated  it  under  God. 
I  need  not  pause  to  vindicate  this  statement  by 
proof.  Every  intelligent  reader  of  Methodist  his- 
tory knows  the  truth  of  it.  Other  men  appear  in 
it  only  in  their  relation  to  him.  He  is  the  master- 
spirit from  first  to  last — so  entirely  so  that  without 
him  others  would  have  accomplished  little  or  noth- 
ing. Indeed,  none  who  separated  themselves  from 
him  accomplished  any  large  or  permanent  result. 
The  men  who  co-operated  with  him  were  like- 
minded  with  himself,  partaking  largely  of  his  spirit. 
He  gave  tone  and  character  to  all  the  activities 
that  went  to  the  great  result.  The  man  who  ana- 
lyzes John  Wesley  has  a  compendious  statement  of 
the  differentia  of  Methodism.  So  far  as  the  work 
takes  its  character  from  its  instruments,  it  is  seen 
in  him. 

Let  us,  then,  attempt  an  analysis  of  Mr.  Wesley's 
character  and  see  what  light  we  may  get  from  it. 

There  is  always  adaptation  in  God's  instruments. 
He  does  not  select  feeble  men  to  do  a  great  work. 
Though  the  twelve  Apostles  were  unlettered  men. 
they  were,  so  far  as  we  can  judge,  men  of  good 
natural  ability,  and  the  Lord  Himself  had  them 
under  training  for  their  work  for  more  than  three 
36 


282  The  Centennial  of 

years.  They  had  an  advantage  in  this  that  few 
have  ever  had.  Under  His  immediate  tuition  they 
must  have  acquired  a  signal  command  of  divine 
truth.  Besides  that,  they  had  the  gift  of  tongues 
and  an  immediate  inspiration  which  brought  all  the 
words  of  Jesus  to  their  remembrance.  How  richly 
they  were  endowed  for  their  work  ! 

But  the  introduction  of  Christianity  among  the 
Gentiles  was  entrusted  to  a  man  whose  natural  en- 
dowments were  of  the  highest  order  and  whose 
cultivation  was  unsurpassed.  Saul  of  Tarsus  would 
have  been  one  of  the  world's  great  men  in  any  line 
of  achievment  upon  which  he  might  have  adven- 
tured. '  He  was  one  of  the  class  of  men  who  appear 
but  once  in  several  centuries.  He  is  great  among; 
the  greatest.  His  massive  personality  moves  for- 
ward in  its  orbit  with  a  force  that  is  irresistible. 
The  power  that  is  in  him  is  tremendous.  God 
made  him  for  the  work  He  had  for  him  to  do — that 
is  to  turn  the  world  upside  down. 

So  was  Mr.  Wesley,  also,  one  of  those  instru- 
ments which  God  always  takes  care  to  have  ready 
when  the  need  is  greatest.  He  endows  them  not 
only  with  grace,  but  also  with  natural  powers  which 
fit  them  for  their  task.  Wesley  was  no  common- 
place man.  He  was  no  second  or  third  rate  great 
man.  His  place  is  in  the  first  rank  of  men  who 
have  delivered  themselves  upon  the  course  of  events. 

In  intellectual  endowments  he  was  not  so  re- 
markable for  philosophical  breadth  as  he  was  for 
penetrating  insight  and  logical  directness,  and  these 
were  precisely  the  qualities   which  gave  him  a  clap- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  283 

tation  for  his  work,  which  was  not  in  the  line  of 
speculative  thought.  What  was  required  was  a  re- 
statement with  the  utmost  clearness  and  emphasis 
of  the  experimental  and  practical  truths  of  religion. 
Philosophical  analysis  had  already  done  its  work 
on  the  creed.  It  remained  only  that  the  spirit  and 
power  of  the  doctrine  should  be  brought  out.  This, 
too,  had  been  clone  by  the  Puritans,  but  under  such 
fatalistic  conditions  of  thought  that  rendered  re- 
ligion ungenial  and  put  it  under  a  certain  restrain- 
ing limitation,  and  with  an  inevitable  tendency  to 
Antinomianism.  Still  later  it  had  been  done  by 
the  Moravians,  but  with  an  admixture  of  fanati- 
cism, and  in  modes  of  operation  and  forms  of  utter- 
ance that  gave  it  no  adaptation  for  wide-spread 
popular  effectiveness.  All  that  is  vital  in  christian 
truth  required  to  be  put  into  a  statement  that 
should  be,  on  the  one  hand,  full  and  unequivocal, 
and  on  the  other,  free  from  all  fanatical  and  Anti- 
nomian  tendency.  Mr.  Wesley's  intellectual  facul- 
ties seem  to  have  been  created  for  just  that  work. 
Incisive,  discriminating,  with  quick  perception  of 
evil  tendencies  and  robust  good  sense  his  mind  was, 
by  the  ordination  of  God,  to  give  that  statement 
of  christian  truth  which  should  guide  the  activities 
of  a  world-wide  revival  through  all  the  perils  of 
thought  in  coming  ages,  and  secure  it  equally 
against  Antinomianism,  Pelagianism  and  fanatical 
degeneration.  For  well  defined  thought,  distinct- 
ness of  utterance,  spiritual  insight,  depth  of  ex- 
perience, simplicity  and   power  of  statement,    his 


284  The  Centennial  of 

sermons  are  without  a  parallel  in  the  post-apostolic 
ages. 

This  peculiar  type  of  mental  superiority  made 
him  the  great  preacher.  I  believe  the  general 
voice  has  awarded  the  palm  to  Whitfield  as  a  mere 
preacher.  Time  is  correcting  this  impression.  There 
was  in  him  the  vehemence  and  fire  and  electric 
explosiveuess  which  make  the  first-class  orator, 
with  the  spirituality  which  makes  the  preacher  ir- 
resistible. But  his  sermons  were  largely  sensa- 
tional. In  commanding  the  popular  ear  Mr.  Wes- 
ley was  scarcely  less  successful,  while  in  the  awaken- 
ing of  conscience  and  in  permanent  power  and 
effect  there  was  scarcely  any  comparison.  That 
multitudes  were  truly  awakened  under  Mr.  Whit- 
field's sermons  there  can  be  no  doubt,  nor  can  there 
be  any  doubt  that,  to  a  large  degree,  the  effect  of 
his  sermons  was  more  that  of  passionate  oratory, 
while  that  of  Mr.  Wesley's  was  as  the  wound  from 
a  direct  thrust  of  the  sword  of  the  Spirit.  Read 
Whitfield's  sermons.  They  are  greatly  wanting  in 
body,  in  originality,  in  power.  They  must  have 
owed  their  effect  almost  wholly  to  the  delivery — 
the  magnetism  of  the  man,  the  tone  of  his  voice, 
the  fire  of  his  eye,  the  passion  of  his  soul.  ( )n  the 
contrary,  Wesley's  printed  sermons  are  replete  with 
truth  in  an  original  putting,  and  in  the  very  read- 
ing the  magisterial  utterance  awes  you,  the  incisive 
statement  lays  bare  to  your  own  eye  the  inward 
corruption  of  your  heart,  and  Jesus  Christ  appears 
"  chiefest  among  ten  thousand  and  altogether  love- 
ly"    There  was  nothing  adventitious  in  Mr.  Wes- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  285 

ley's  sermons  nor  in  their  delivery.  Their  effect 
was  due  only  to  the  vital  statement  and  enforce- 
ment of  truth,  and  the  deep,  solemn  sense  of  the 
truth  that  was  in  the  man,  with  the  Holy  Ghost 
sent  down  from  heaven.  He  never  stormed  and 
blustered  in  the  pulpit.  His  manner  was  at  the 
farthest  possible  removal  from  anything  theatrical. 
There  was  no  acting.  There  was  no  "  dry  thun- 
der." But  there  was  power  !  And  the  immediate 
effect  was  sometimes  amazing.  It  is  a  mistake  to 
suppose  that  the  immediate  awakenings  under  Mr. 
Whitfield's  preaching  were  more  remarkable  than 
those  under  his.  Sometimes  men  and  women  fell 
on  all  sides,  and  multitudes  cried  out  in  an  agony 
which  they  could  not  control. 

He  was,  indeed,  the  great  preacher  of  modern 
times.  More  than  that,  he  inaugurated  a  new  era 
of  power  in  the  pulpit.  To  this  clay  the  spirit  of 
his  ministry  is  in  the  Methodist  pulpit,  and  is  likely 
to  remain  in  it  for  ages  to  come.  His  conception 
of  truth  abides  as  a  permanent  revival  force  in  the 
church.  To  this  end  God  endowed  him  with  such  ex- 
traordinary perspicucity.  The  natural  endowment 
qualified  him  to  be  the  instrument  of  the  divine 
work. 

Further  as  to  the  natural  gifts  by  which  he  was 
singularly  qualified  for  his  work.  He  was  a  born 
organizer.  It  was  an  instinct  in  him.  He  could 
not  help  it.  He  must  organize.  He  did  not  set 
himself  to  create  a  great  organization  but  did  it  un- 
consciously. It  was  not  the  ambition  to  be  at  the 
head  of  a  vast  body  that  actuated  him,  but  simply 


286  The  Centennial  of 

the  disposition  to  work  and  to  set  others  to  work, 
with  an  instinctive  perception  of  the  best  methods 
to  be  adopted  with  the  materials  at  hand.  He  sim- 
ply used  the  resources  that  were  at  hand  from  time 
to  time,  and  as  his  methods  created  new  resources- 
the  organization  was  extended  to  embrace  them  and 
utilize  them,  and  so  it  grew.  He  perceived  the 
agencies  that  were  in.  reach  and  knew  how  to  use 
them.  That  was  all.  And  that  was  enough.  All 
the  great  work  that  is  dune  in  the  world  is  done 
with  the  utmost  simplicity. 

Another  natural  trait  of  this  man  was  his  consti- 
tutional activity.  Activity  was  the  law  of  his  being. 
He  could  not  be  still.  It  was  as  necessary  to  hint 
to  be  doing  something  as  it  was  to  breathe.  The 
"  godly  club  "  and  the  regular  visitation  of  prisoners 
and  the  poor  at  Oxford,  while  he  was  yet  a  student, 
attest  this  fact.  The  mission  to  America,  with  all 
its  incidents,  and  the  visit  to  Herrnhutt  are  equally 
in  point.  Idle  he  could  not  be.  With  no  official 
duties  he  must  yet  be  employed.  An  inward  law 
impelled  him.  Brain  and  muscle  were  charged 
with  work,  and  it  must  come  out. 

There  is  a  quality  in  men  that  I  know  not  how 
to  describe  but  by  the  word  force.  They  have  the 
faculty  of  delivering  themselves  on  men  and  events 
with  greater  or  less  effect.  Some  men  are  able  to 
put  forth  all  that  is  in  them.  Others  again,  in 
whom  there  seems,  really,  to  be  a  good  deal,  are 
wanting  in  the  ability  to  project  themselves.  Every 
community  has  its  masterful  men.  Now  and  then 
one  moves  a  whole  county,  or  is  even  felt  through- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  287 

out  the  commonwealth.  Here  and  there  one  im- 
presses himself  on  the  statesmanship  and  diplomacy 
of  a  nation,  like  Bismarck,  just  by  his  own  personal 
force.  Great  corporations  have  their  ruling  spirits, 
and  we  are  beginning  to  hear  of  railroad  kings. 
St.  Paul  was  an  illustrious  instance  of  this  quality. 
Scarcely  less  conspicuous  was  John  Wesley.  He 
went  forth  in  all  the  weight  of  his  own  personality, 
and  made  his  own  thought  and  character  a  factor 
of  the  highest  value  in  the  controling  activities  of 
his  day.  His  energy  expressed  itself  and  is  abroad 
in  widening  circles  of  efficient  operation  to  this  day. 

He  was  an  intense  man.  This  would  have  been 
true  of  him  if  he  had  not  been  religious  at  all.  What 
he  undertook  he  concentrated  himself  upon.  He 
did  nothing  by  halves.  He  could  not.  All  that 
was  in  him  went  to  accomplish  his  purposes.  He  al- 
ways had  a  purpose.  His  sleepless  activities  were 
not  exhausted  in  aimless  and  scattered  effort.  He 
could  not  be  an  aimless  man.  He  had  convictions. 
He  was  a  man  of  positive  ideas.  And  all  the  re- 
sources of  his  nature  were  drawn  upon  to  their  full- 
est tension  to  accomplish  his  objects. 

What  a  basis  of  natural  adaptation  for  his  wTork 
was  in  this  wonderful  man.  There  was  intellectual 
power  of  the  highest  order  and  of  the  very  style  re- 
quired. There  was  the  disposition  and  faculty  of 
the  organizer.  There  was  personal  force  sufficient 
to  create  and  carry  on  an  empire.  There  was  the 
subjective  necessity  to  be  active,  bringing  the  stu- 
pendous force  that  was  in  him  ever  into  play.  There 
was  the  intenseness  that  brought  everything  into 


288  The  Centennial  op 

focal  expression  on  the  objective  point,  which  it 
kept  ever  in  view.  Such  a  life  was  obliged  to  issue 
in  great  achievement.  It  could  not  appear  on  the 
face  of  society  like  a  billow  amid  the  waves,  only 
to  disappear  again.  It  was  such  a  life  as  God  ever 
brings  to  the  front  at  opportune  moments,  furnished 
for  some  work  that  must  be  done  to  save  the  world 
from  wreck.  It  contained  in  itself  the  conditions 
of  world — embracing  achievement,  that  should  color 
history  to  its  final  act. 

Such  was  the  basis  of  natural  adaptation  in  the 
man.  But  the  analysis  of  his  character  is  not  yet 
complete.  There  remain  to  be  considered  elements 
that,  appearing  in  so  puissant  a  nature,  fully  account 
for  all  that  he  accomplished  in  the  revival  of  reli- 
gion. 

To  say  that  Mr.  Wesley  was  a  religious  man  is  to 
express  the  truth  in  a  very  feeble  way.  To  say  that 
he  was  passionately  religious  would  not  be  true,  for 
that  would  intimate  a  religion  merely  emotional, 
and  vehement,  whereas  the  religious  life  in  him  was 
eminently  rational  and  continuous.  Yet  the  reli- 
gious consciousness  in  him  was  as  strong  and  en- 
grossing as  if  it  had  been  a  passion.  Mind  and  heart 
were  steeped  in  religion.  He  was  "lost  and  swal- 
lowed up  in  God."  God  was  everything  to  him. 
For  him  all  things  else  took  their  value  from  their 
relation  to  God.  In  him  faith  was  the  cognition  of 
the  unseen  things.  He  lived  and  moved  in  the 
midst  of  divine  and  eternal  realities.  His  objects 
of  pursuit  were  all  in  that  sphere.  His  vision  was 
too  strong   to   be  obscured  by  the  veil  of  earthly 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  289 

things.  His  plans  were  all  projected  upon  the  spir- 
itual plane.  How  he  should  be  housed  or  fed  was 
matter  of  slight  concern  to  him.  Whether  men 
should  think  or  speak  well  or  ill  of  him  was  a  ques- 
tion of  no  moment.  He  had  to  do  only  with  God 
and  with  the  eternal  danger  of  souls.  Money  he 
valued  only  as  he  might  glorify  God  and  do  good 
to  the  souls  of  men  with  it.  He  was  in  the  world 
but  was  not  of  it.  He  was  a  citizen  of  the  kingdom 
of  God,  and  all  his  ambitions  and  labors  found  scope 
and  expression  there. 

Let  us  look  at  the  facts  somewhat  in  detail  and 
see  if  they  bear  out  these  strong  statements. 

The  religious  life  of  Mr.  Wesley  dawns  upon  us 
at  the  University.  There  he  associates  a  few  young 
men  of  strong  religious  convictions  with  himself 
for  prayer,  for  the  habitual  and  critical  study  of  the 
Greek  Testament,  and  for  visiting  prisoners  and 
the  sick  and  poor  and  relieving  their  distresses,  as 
well  as  to  give  spiritual  counsel  and  to  pray  with 
them  He  devoted  himself  wholly  to  mental  and 
spiritual  improvement  and  to  doing  good.  This 
was  a  remarkable  life  for  young  students  to  lead. 
It  attracted  attention  and  provoked  criticism.  Wes- 
ley and  his  associates  were  called  in  derision  "  the 
godly  club,"  and,  also,  with  reference  to  their 
methodical  arrangement  of  their  studies  and  em- 
ployments, "  Methodists."  This  appellation  he  ac- 
cepted and  transmitted  to  his  followers,  who  bear 
it  without  shame,  yea,  rather  as  a  badge  of  honor. 

Even  at  this  early  day  Mr.  Wesley  had  given  up 
the  world,  not  in  a  solemn,  unrealized  profession, 
37 


290  The  Centennial  of 

but  consciously   and,  in  fact,  fully  understanding 
himself. 

Take  the  proof.  lie  had  a  fellowship  that 
yielded  an  annual  income  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars.  This  was  all  the  living  he  had — and  a 
scant  living  it  was.  But  by  the  utmost  severity  of 
plainness  he  managed  to  live  on  one  hundred  and 
forty.  The  remaining  ten  went  to  the  poor.  When 
his  fellowship  afterwards  yielded  two  hundred 
dollars,  lie  still  lived  on  one  hundred  and  forty  and 
gave  sixty  to  the  poor.  Later  his  fellowship 
yielded  three  hundred  dollars.  Where  is  the  man 
in  America  that  would  not  have  indulged  himself 
a  little  ?  He  would  have  been  considered  a  wonder 
of  self-denial  even  if  his  living  had  gone  up  to  two 
hundred  and  fifty  now,  with  fifty  reserved  for  the 
poor.  But  no  !  He  could  live  on  the  plainest  fare 
and  clothe  himself  for  one  hundred  and  forty 
dollars,  and  he  did  it.  What  a  joy  it  gave  him  to 
have  one  hundred  and  sixty  dollars  for  those  whose 
children  sometimes  cried  in  vain  for  bread.  The 
fellowship  went  up  again  to  four  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars  a  year.  He  still  lived  on  one  hundred  and 
forty  and  the  poor  got  three  hundred  and  ten. 
Still  later  his  fellowship  amounted  to  six  hundred 
dollars  a  year,  but  he  allowed  himself  no  more. 
God's  poor  got  all  the  benefit  of  the  advance. 
Four  hundred  and  sixty  dollars  went  to  the  alle- 
viation of  hunger  and  nakedness  in  Oxford.  Nor 
was  this  the  fanatical  austerity  of  an  enthusiastic 
young  man.  There  never  was  a  man  more  fully 
under  the  control  of  his  rational   powers.     It  was 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  291 

the  result  of  sober  conviction  and  christian  love. 
This  most  cool  and  deliberate  man  had  taken  citi- 
zenship in  the  Kingdom  of  God,  and  was  not  of  the 
world.  For  that  reason  he  was  guided  by  a  differ- 
ent principle  from  that  of  worldly  men  in  the  use 
of  money.  He  devoted  it  to  the  ends  which  the 
Master  enjoined.  lie  spent  nothing  for  personal 
luxury,  nothing  to  gratify  his  own  vanity — he 
hoarded  nothing  ''for  a  rainy  day'1 — lie  trusted 
God  for  to-morrow,  and  used  all  he  had  in  hand  at 
any  time  to  relieve  the  want  and  sorrow  that  were 
around  him. 

He  understood  himself.  No  man  ever  did  so 
more  completely.  He  had  a  well  considered  rule 
with  respect  to  money.  "  I  make  all  I  can,  save 
all  I  can  and  give  all  I  can,  that  is,  all  I  have.'1 
He  resolved  to  have  nothing  of  the  world  sticking 
to  his  hands  when  he  should  come  to  die.  He 
washed  them  of  it  every  day.  At  eighty  years  of 
age,  after  keeping  an  exact  account  of  all  receipts 
and  expenses,  he  gave  it  up,  being  satisfied  that  ho 
had  kept  his  rule.  This  Oxford  generosity,  then, 
was  not  the  ardent  abandon  of  youthful  and  incon- 
siderate sentimentality.  It  was  the  deliberate  and 
settled  habit  of  a  life  luminous  with  faith  and  lay- 
ing up  treasure  in  heaven. 

He  was  afterwards  a  publisher  of  books,  by  which 
means  he  made  considerable  money.  But  it  all 
went.  A  young  lady  dying,  bequeathed  him  five 
thousand  dollars.  One  of  his  sisters,  abandoned 
by  a  worthless  husband  and  greatly  put  to  it  to 
feed  her  children,  heard    of  it  in  a  week  or  two, 


292  The  Centennial  of 

and  wrote  to  him  for  aid  now  that  lie  was  in  funds. 
It  was  all  gone  but  twenty-five  dollars  !  Pie  gladly 
sent  her  that. 

So  unwordly,  so  wholly  devoted  to  God,  was  this 
man.  Never  was  a  man  more  completely  in  God's 
hand  to  be  used  as  He  might  will.  No  Prophet  nor 
Apostle  was  a  more  facile  instrument  of  the  divine 
purpose.  His  will  was  solely  to  do  God's  will. 
He  had  no  pride  to  gratify,  no  love  of  money,  no 
desire  for  care  or  pleasure.  He  was  ready  to  bury 
himself  in  the  wilderness  in  America  to  convert 
the  savage  Indians,  and  actually  sought  to  do  so. 
He  would  have  been  content  never  to  be  heard  of 
again  amongst  civilized  men  if  he  might  have  done 
the  will  of  God  among  the  Cherokees.  But  that 
work  never  opened  to  him.  His  way  was  com- 
pletely closed  in  America  even  among  the  colonists. 
God  turned  him  back  to  England. 

Returning  across  the  ocean  a  new  light  dawns 
upon  him.  He  finds  some  simple  hearted  people 
on  ship-board  who  are  full  of  peace,  while  he  is  full 
of  terrors  in  prospect  of  shipwreck.  How  is  this? 
He  must  learn  their  secret.  The  born  gentleman, 
the  accomplished  alumnus  of  Christ  Church,  Ox- 
ford, with  all  the  honors  of  the  great  University 
upon  him,  finds  a  knowledge  among  the  ignorant 
Moravians  that  he  himself  has  not,  and  becomes 
a  docile  pupil  at  their  feet.  Their  knowledge  is 
higher,  better,  nobler,  diviner  than  all  the  Greek 
and  mathematics  and  philosophy  of  Oxford  to- 
gether. They  have  the  evidence  of  their  acceptance 
with  God.     They  know  Christ  and  the  power  of 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  293 

His  resurrection.  They  have  peace  with  God. 
They  are  delivered  from  the  fear  of  death.  Ship- 
wreck has  no  terror  for  them. 

Mr.  Wesley,  with  all  his  learning,  is  as  simple- 
hearted  as  a  child.  But  yet  he  is  also  a  sagacious 
man.  He  is  open  to  knowledge  from  any  source, 
but  at  the  same  time  keen  sighted  to  detect  any 
shallow  pretence.  If  this  wonderful  peace  in  the 
jaws  of  death  is  a  divine  reality  he  must  know  it. 
He  approaches  the  Moravians,  becomes  intimate 
with  them,  studies  the  Bible  with  them,  and  hears 
their  account  of  their  experience.  Up  to  this  time 
faith  with  him,  has  been  mere  relief  and  religion 
mere  duty.  But  with  these  people  faith  is  the  sub- 
sistence of  things  hoped  for  and  religion  an  experi- 
ence— a  life — as  well  as  a  service.  They  know  God. 
He  does  not.  He  knows  much  about  God.  All  his 
cares  and  studies  have  been  drawn  that  way.  He 
knows  the  word  in  the  letter  of  it  better  than  they 
do.  He  knows  about  God  more  than  they.  But 
they  know  Goo?,  and  how  gladly  would  he  give  up 
all  his  knowledges  for  this  knowledge.  To  be  in 
conscious,  personal  intercourse  with  God,  to  know 
Him  as  a  sin-pardoning  God,  to  be  prepared  to  die 
and  to  stand  before  the  Holy  One  in  the  Judgment ! 
Is  this  the  privilege  of  a  mortal  ?  These  godly  men 
attest  it  as  a  fact  of  consciousness.  Their  holy  lives 
give  weight  to  their  testimony.  They  are  wonder- 
fully candid,  transparent  men.  They  are  without 
guile.  Their  dispositions  are  sweet  and  loving. 
They  are  ready  to  do  a  service — any  service — for 
any  one  in  the  ship,  and  do  it  heartily  and  lovingly. 


294  The  Centennial  of 

They  have  complete  control  of  their  passions  and 
desires.  Above  all  they  are  joyful  in  immediate 
expectation  of  sudden  and  dreadful  death! 

How  cold  and  worthless  in  comparison  of  this 
seem  all  his  constrained  and  painful  duties  to  Mr. 
Wesley.  A  thousand  scriptures  that  he  had  long 
known  in  the  letter  now  open  themselves  to  him 
and  disclose  the  spirit.  The  book  of  God  was  a  new 
revelation  to  him.  It  was  full  of  the  very  things 
the  simple-minded  Moravians  testified  of.  But  alas  ! 
even  now  the  divine  light  only  dawned  upon  him. 
He  did  not  yet  know  God.  But  he  would  seek  Him, 
and  such  a  seeker  always  finds. 

He  must  have  peace  with  God.  He  must  have 
assurance.  Tie  must  know  himself  to  he  a  child  of 
God.  God  has  provided  these  things  for  them  that 
love  Him.  He  implores,  he  pleads,  he  agonizes  ;  lie 
cries  out  after  the  living  God.  His  best  deeds  become 
odious  to  him.  Nothing  in  him  can  stand  the  sever- 
ity of  God's  judgment.  But  the  righteousness  of 
God  is  revealed  in  Christ.  That  divine  righteous- 
ness!  It  is  in  the  blood  of  Christ!  It  is  attained 
by  faith— not  by  the  deeds  of  the  law. 

It  is  astonishing  what  a  sense  of  sin  this  most  ex- 
emplary  man  had.  How  careful  he  had  been  to  do 
no  wrong!  He  had  not  shunned  obloquy.  He 
would  do  evil  at  no  man's  bidding,  nor  in  any  slight- 
est particular.  He  had  been  tosted.  How  earnest 
he  had  been  to  do  every  duty — to  please  God  in 
every  particular.  But  the  inward  corruption  re- 
mained. The  motions  of  sin  were  in  the  members. 
What  depth,  what  pathos  was  in  his  self-accusation  : 

"I  the  chief  of  sinners  am." 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  295 

After  all  his  self-denials  and  fastings  and  prayers 
and  alms  and  labors  he  was  full  of  inward  sin.  The 
wrath  of  God  was  suspended  over  his  head.  Surely 
— so  he  felt — his  heart  was  the  vilest  of  all  hearts. 
Only  the  blood  of  Christ  could  cleanse  him  and 
raise  him  to  the  righteousness  of  God.  Peter  Boh- 
ler  and  his  companions  realized  it,  why  could  not 
he?  He  wTonld  seek  it.  He  would  give  himself  up 
to  this  one  thing.  Day  and  night  he  would  cry  to 
God.  This  silence  of  God  toward  him  he  could  not 
bear.  In  the  solitude  of  the  closet  and  in  the  assem- 
bly of  the  saints  he  would  seek  God. 

There  was  a  religious  society  holding  stated  meet- 
ings at  a  certain  house  in  Alderso-ate  street.  Mr. 
Wesley  was  there  at  an  evening  meeting.  One  was 
reading  Luther's  preface  to  the  epistle  to  the  Gala- 
tians  — that  wonderful  treatise  on  the  doctrine  of 
justification  by  faith.  The  words  seem  almost  in- 
spired. Wesley  listens.  He  sees  God  in  Christ  re- 
conciling the  world  unto  himself.  Christ  saves  him 
— even  him.    He  sees  it.  He  feels  it.    He  lenows  it. 

"I  felt  my  heart  strangely  warmed." 

Such  is  his  own  quiet,  modest  account  of  it. 
Henceforth  he  is  a  new  man.  Doubt  is  gone.  Gloom 
is  gone.  The  fear  of  death  is  gone.  Hitherto  he 
has  been  a  servant  of  God,  now  he  is  a  son.  He  has 
the  spirit  of  adoption.  He  still  sees  himself  a  sinner, 
but  a  saved  sinner.     He  exclaims  again  : 

"I  the  chief  of  sinners  am," 
and  adds, 

"  But  Jesus  died  for  me." 


296  The  Centennial  of 

"The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  our  spirit 
that  we  are  children  of  Clod.1'  Henceforth  this  de- 
claration was  a  realized  fact  of  his  life.  He  was  a 
child  of  God  and  the  Holy  Spirit  was  the  indubita- 
ble witness.  He  was  saved  by  the  righteousness  of 
Christ. 

But  it  was  an  actual  salvation — not  a  salvation 
that  left  the  man  as  he  was — only  imputing  right- 
eousness to  him.  Mr.  Wesley  did  not  object  to  the 
phrase,  "  imputed  righteousness,"  for  he  felt  that 
his  righteousness  was  all  in  Christ  and  of  Christ. 
But  he  repudiated  all  Antinomiam  interpretations  of 
the  phrase.  Righteousness  was  not  only  imputed 
but  also  imparted.  The  soul  is  actualty  cleansed. 
Each  child  of  God  is  not  only  considered  holy  but 
made  holy  in  Christ.  "  If  any  man  be  in  Christ 
Jesus  he  is  a  new  creature ;  old  things  are  passed 
away  and  all  things  are  become  new."  There  is 
not  only  pardon  of  sin  witnessed  by  the  Spirit, 
with  the  adoption  of  sons,  but  there  is  also  the  New 
Birth.  There  must  be  inward  holiness.  There  must 
be  actual  power  over  temptation.  The  outward 
life,  also,  must  correspond  with  the  inward  grace. 
Religion  is  not  found  in  mere  dreams  and  senti- 
mentalities  and  ecstacies.  It  is  a  moral  renovation. 
It  is  an  inward  regeneration  and  an  actual  right- 
eousness. 

Inward  and  outward  holiness  with  the  witness  of 
adoption  by  the  Spirit — this  was  Mr.  Wesley's  ex- 
perience, and  this  was  the  germ  of  the  great  re- 
vival. Not  that  this  matter  was  now  first  discov- 
ered.    It    was  the  religion  of  the   apostolic  times 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  297 

and  had  been  held  by  persecuted  sects  through  all 
the  ages  of  gloom  that  clouded  the  light  of  the  half 
paganized  church.  The  Reformation  had  restored 
the  truth  and  put  it  into  a  statement  more  or  less 
distinct.  The  Puritans  had  it.  But  it  had  now 
become  subjective  in  the  consciousness  of  a  man 
who  would  give  it  such  voice  as  it  had  never  had 
before  since  the  Apostles  died.  He  would  remove 
all  the  glosses  and  false  interpretations  on  this  point 
from  the  sacred  text,  and  renew  the  testimony  of 
the  Apostles  in  a  statement  that  could  never  be 
made  dubious.  The  New  Birth  is  not  a  dream  nor 
a  sentiment,  but  a  life  communicated  by  the  Holy 
Ghost.  "  We  are  made  partakers  of  the  divine 
nature,  having  escaped  the  corruption  that  is  in 
the  world  through  lust."  This  is  the  life  of  ho- 
liness." 

Mr.  Wesley  saw  that  there  might  be,  and  was 
often,  a  genuine  religious  experience  that  was  very 
imperfect ;  that  in  the  case  of  many  sin  was  only 
subdued,  and,  indeed,  but  partially  subdued— not 
cast  out,  not  destroyed.  Many  were  resting  in  a 
partial  experience  and  an  imperfect  faith.  They 
had  no  conception  of  the  high  "  Privilege  of  Be- 
lievers." In  such,  practical  godliness  was  sadly 
deficient.  The  enemy  was  still  intrenched  in  the 
members.  Their  condition  was  dangerous  in  the 
extreme.  Their  low  faith  and  half  godly  life  was 
dishonoring  to  Christ.  The  gospel  provision  was 
full.  Christ  was  "  mighty  to  save  " — "  able  to  save 
them  to  the  uttermost  th&t  come  unto  God  by  Him." 
"  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  His  Son  cleanseth  us 
38 


298  The  Centennial  <>e 

from  all  sin"  if  only  "  we  walk  in  the  light  as  He 
is  in  the  light."  It  seems  that  Mr.  Wesley  never 
did  in  any  formal  way  profess  himself  to  be  a  sanc- 
tified man.  If  he  made  such  profession  at  all  it 
was  in  the  most  modest  way  and  by  mere  implica- 
tion. But  he  did  encourage  his  people  to  seek  for 
perfect  holiness,  and  upon  any  distinct  experience 
to  profess  it  Occasionally  they  gave  him  great 
trouble  by  premature  and  evidently  fanatical  de- 
monstrations on  this  point.  These  he  earnestly 
strove  to  correct.  For  himself  he  rejoiced  in  Christ, 
kept  his  body  under,  triumphed  over  sin  and  gave 
the  most  remarkable  example  of  an  unspotted  life 
without  ever  venturing  to  say  "  I  am  sanctified." 
But  all  the  weight  both  of  his  life  and  teaching 
went  to  establish  the  highest  standard  of  experi- 
mental and  practical  godliness.  He  felt  that  indeed 
the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  does  cleanse  from  all  sin, 
but  yet  there  was  a  touch  of  the  deepest  humility 
to  the  very  last. 

"  Every  moment,  Lord,  I  need, 
The  merit  of  Thy  death." 

This  consciousness  was  in  him  to  the  close  of  his 
life.     Yet  in  victorious  faith  he  added, 

"Every  moment,  Lord,  I  have, 
The  merit  of  Thy  death." 

So  he  walked  with  God.  What  I  said  of  him 
while  he  was  at  the  University  was  more  deeply  true 
of  him  now — he  was  in  the  world  but  not  of  it. 
lie  lived,  yet  not  he  but  Christ  lived  in  him.     The 


Methodism  in  .North  Carolina.  299 

life  that  he  lived  amongst  men  was  the  Christ-life. 
He  had  found  the  Lord.  He  was  saved.  His 
treasure  was  in  heaven.  His  heart  was  there.  He 
had  nothing  in  common  with  the  mere  man  of  the 
world.  The  common  run  of  men  did  not  under- 
stand him.  He  walked  in  a  light  they  had  not 
eyes  to  see.  Christ  was  not  known,  and  He  four- 
told  that  neither  should  His  people  be  known. 
They  cannot  be  known  by  men  who  have  no  vision 
of  unseen  things.  Moses  abandoning  the  palace 
and  going  into  the  wilderness,  must  have  seemed 
an  arrant  fool  to  the  Egyptian  courtiers.  Festu- 
thought  Paul  a  madman.  And  men  of  the  world, 
in  the  church  and  out  of  it,  held  John  Wesley  in 
the  same  light. 

But  the  very  fact  which  made  him  a  madman  to 
the  men  of  his  day  was  the  power  that,  working  in 
him  mightly,  has  spread  a  renovating  energy  over 
Great  Britain,  North  America,  Australia  and  the 
South  Sea  Islands;  has  penetrated  France  and  Ger- 
many and  Italy  like  a  shaft  of  light,  and  is  gath- 
ering the  first  fruits  of  a  glorious  harvest  in  India, 
China  and  Japan. 

Mr.  Wesley  was  the  first  convert  of  his  own  re- 
vival, and  his  experience  colors  the  whole  move- 
ment. It  was  the  type  of  the  work.  He  delivered 
the  truth  as  he  had  both  learned  it  out  of  the  scrip- 
tures and  realized  it  in  his  own  life.  He  was  a  wit- 
ness. His  ministry  was  an  overwhelming  expres- 
sion of  the  sinfulness  of  sin  and  of  the  fulness  of 
salvation  in  Christ.  He  had  found  the  Lord.  He 
was  saved  from  the  wrath  to  come.     He  felt  it  and 


300  TnE  Centennial  of 

knew  it.  He  proclaimed  it  to  others.  Thousands 
who  heard  him  were  groaning  under  the  fear  of 
death.  Under  his  word  sin  become  more  intoler- 
able. They  were  in  guilty  torments.  They  were 
lost.  But  he  proclaimed  deliverance  to  the  captive, 
lie  knew  what  he  affirmed.  There  was  salvation 
in  Christ.  He  knew  it  for  he  had  found  it.  It  was 
no  mere  theory  which  he  taught.  Salvation  was  a 
fact  of  consciousness.  He  knew  the  fact  for  he  had 
felt  the  saving  power.  He,  too,  had  been  lost  but 
was  found.  He,  too,  had  been  dead  but  was  alive 
in  Christ.  He,  too,  had  been  in  darkness  but  was 
now  in  the  light.  He  brought  good  tidings  of  great 
joy.  The  hand  that  had  rescued  him  was  extended 
to  all.  They  might  be  saved  and  know  themselves 
to  be  saved.  The  spirit  which  had  witnessed  the 
great  fact  to  him  was  equally  gracious  to  all.  God 
was  no  respecter  of  persons.  Christ  had  suffered 
alike  for  all.  He  was  the  Saviour  of  all.  But  He 
commanded  all  men  everywhere  to  repent.  "  Ex- 
cept ye  repent  ye  shall  all  likewise  perish."  "  The 
wages  of  sin  is  death."  Onty  abandon  your  sins 
and  trust  in  the  divine  Redeemer.  But  the  condi- 
tion is  inexorable.  Sin  must  be  abandoned.  There 
is  no  other  way  to  Christ.  He  is  ready  to  save, 
waiting  to  save,  mighty  to  save,  able  to  save  to  the 
uttermost  and  to  save  now.  He  is  waiting  now — 
ready  now — and  the  Spirit  will  bear  witness  to  all 
even  as  to  me. 

All  this  truth  was  subjective  in  Mr.  Wesley.     It 
was  wrought  by  the  Holy  Ghost  into  his  soul.     It 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  301 

was  in  every  fiber  of  his  inner  being.  And  it  was 
in  him,  not  for  himself  alone,  but  for  the  world. 

For  as  we  have  seen,  he  had  exactly  those  natural 
endowments  through  which  the  grace  of  God  that 
was  in  him  must  become  reproductive. 

He  had  the  power  of  clear  and  vigorous  statement 
beyond  all  men  of  recent  times,  so  that  he  gave 
voice  to  the  word  that  had  become  vital  in  him 
with  such  vividness  and  energy  as  made  it  irresisti- 
ble. That  wonderful  personal  force  of  which  I  have 
spoken  went  into  the  statement  and  gave  it  mo- 
mentum, and  the  irrepressible  activity  of  the  man, 
with  his  natural  enthusiasm  and  intenseness  kept 
him  in  incessant  labors  to  propagate  the  truth  which 
he  felt  to  be  as  important  as  eternity  could  make  it. 
The  depth  of  sympathy  that  was  so  conspicuous  a 
trait  of  his  character  gave  him  extraordinary  power 
with  men.  All  this  power  to  project  himself  upon 
society,  made  him  the  great  revivalist,  and  so  it 
turned  out  that  his  own  experience  of  the  saving 
grace  of  God  was  reproduced  on  a  grand  scale:  and 
this  reproduction  of  his  experience  was  the  great 
revival — this  was  Methodism.  The  special  out- 
pouring of  the  Holy  Ghost  fell  on  him,  and  through 
his  word,  also,  on  multitudes  beside,  and  that  won- 
derful wealth  of  spiritual  activities  and  endowments 
which  we  inherit  is  the  result.  Through  prayer 
and  faith  and  preaching  Wesley's  experience  is  re- 
produced to  this  day,  and  we  are  his  sons  in  the 
gospel.  The  grace  of  God  that  was  in  him  was  not 
in  vain,  but  he  labored  more  abundantly  and  with 
more  abundant  power  than  all  the  men  of  his  time, 


302  The  Centennial  of 

and  became  the  instrument  of  a  revival  that  has 
gone  on  through  nearly  a  century  and  a  half  of  time, 
and  is  felt  in  every  quarter  of  the  globe. 

Its  most  striking  characteristics  appear  to  me  to 
be  the  following : 

1.  A  deep  conviction  of  sin.  This  is  found  first, 
in  a  clear  view  of  the  enormity  of  sin  and  of  the 
wrath  of  God  resting  upon  the  soul  of  the  sinner, 
and  secondly,  in  a  profound  sense  of  guilt  and  de- 
sert of  punishment  on  account  of  sin. 

2.  Earnest  seeking  of  God  in  repentance,  renun- 
ciation of  sin,  prayer  and  looking  to  Christ — seeking 
that  will  not  rest  until  the  soul  hnds  peace  with  God. 

3.  Looking,  on  the  instant,  for  the  answer  of 
prayer.     liNow  is  the  accepted  time.11 

-i.  An  inward  assurance  of  pardon — the  witness 
of  the  Spirit. 

5.  A  distinct,  unequivocal  recognition  and  ex- 
perience of  the  fact  of  the  new  birth — a  conscious 
change  of  heart. 

6.  A  perception  of  the  necessity  of  actual  deliver- 
ance from  sin,  and  of  inward  and  outward  holiness. 

7.  A  deep  sense  of  entire  dependence  on  the 
merits  of  Christ,  and  of  the  fact  that  holiness  is  at- 
tained only  through  the  operation  of  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

8.  A  joyful  faith  in  the  efficacy  of  the  blood  of 
Christ  to  cleanse  from  all  sin. 

9.  Earnest  striving  after  the  highest  states  of  ex- 
perience. 

10.  Emotional  manifestations,  and  conversions 
clearly  marked  as  to  time  and  place.     This  is  not 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.         303 

the  uniform  character  of  the  work  in  the  Wesley  an 
revival,  but  very  general. 

11.  Aggressive  activity  of  the  converts,  involv- 
ing the  public  confession  of  Christ,  the  earnest  and 
constant  use  of  the  means  of  grace,  and  effort  for 
the  salvation  of  others. 

Such  was  Methodism  as  it  took  its  type  from  its 
great  founder. 

II.  Let  us  now  inquire  into  the  methods  by  which 
this  revival  has  been  carried  on. 

I  have  already  spoken  of  Mr.  Wesley  as  a  preach- 
er. Preaching  is  God's  own  chosen  means  of  prop- 
agating the  gospel.  The  Reformation  restored  the 
pulpit  in  great  measure  to  its  proper  functions, 
which  had  been,  to  a  great  degree,  lost.  But  Mr. 
Wesley  introduced  a  new  era  of  preaching  even  in 
Protestantism.  The  ministry  of  the  word  had  be- 
come to  a  great  degree  formal  and  inefficient.  Dry, 
didactic  discourses  were  the  rule.  The  Wesleyan 
preaching,  so  vital,  so  full  of  power,  became  a  new 
force  in  the  church.  Not  only  Mr.  Wesley,  but  his 
co-laborers  and  their  successors,  had  a  new  baptism 
for  this  work.  Their  preaching  was  marked  by 
several  particulars  : 

1.  It  dealt  mainly  with  the  most  vital  doctrines 
of  the  gospel — sin,  the  wrath  of  God,  repentance, 
atonement,  pardon,  regeneration,  eternal  death, 
eternal  life. 

2.  The  preacher  was  a  man  who  had  felt  himself 
ready  to  fall  into  hell,  but  had  cried  to  God,  and 
through  the  amazing  mercy  of  the  Cross  had  found 
deliverance  and  peace.     Hell  and  heaven,  sjn  and 


304  The  Centennial  of 

holiness,  guilt  and  salvation,  God  and  judgment 
were  realities  to  him.  Pie  felt  the  powers  of  the 
world  to  come.  He  saw  his  fellow-men  ready  to 
drop  into  the  bottomless  pit  and  was  in  an  agony 
of  fear  on  their  account.  Head  and  eye  and  voice 
and  gesture  were  vital  with  the  message. 

3  These  men  were  in  communion  with  God. 
From  a  holy  agony  of  wrestling  in  the  closet  they 
went  to  their  congregations.  They  had  power  with 
God,  and  that  was  the  secret  of  their  power  with 
men. 

4.  They  were  untrammeled  by  conventionalities. 
Thought  did  not  exhaust  itself  in  the  mechanical 
structure  and  literary  finish  of  their  sermons.  They 
were  charged  with  the  word  of  God  and  must  de- 
liver it.  They  used  the  language  of  the  common 
people,  aad  eschewing  a  phraseology  that  was  stale 
and  stereotyped,  their  message  sounded  fresh  and 
came  in  spontaneous  expression  from  the  heart. 

5.  The  preachers  were  men  of  the  people,  in  full 
sympathy  with  them,  and  their  ministry  was  at  the 
farthest  possible  remove  from  a  formal,  professional, 
perfunctory  tone. 

6.  They  had  a  vocation  from  God,  and  His  word 
was  like  a  fire  in  their  bones.  They  must  deliver 
it.  They  cried,  "  wo  is  me  if  I  preach  not  the 
gospel."  They  could  not  wait  for  a  call,  a  salary 
and  a  pulpit.  On  the  street,  in  the  barn,  under 
the  shade  of  a  tree,  wherever  they  could  bring  men 
together  they  were  ready  to  declare  the  unsearch- 
able riches  of  Christ, 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  305 

7.  They  preached  a  present  salvation.  The  most 
ungodly  need  not  delay.  The  gospel  provision  was 
full  and  free.  God  was  waiting  to  be  gracious. 
They  might  find  Him  now.  Only  wicked  obdu- 
racy and  unbelief  could  defer  the  moment  of  sal- 
vation. Sins  of  the  blackest  hue  might  be  cleansed 
away  in  the  present  moment.  God  is  not  at  fault. 
All  was  done  on  His  part.  The  atonement  was 
full,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  at  the  moment  striving 
with  the  sinner.  "  Now,"  such  was  the  fervid  ex- 
hortation, "  now  accept  God's  offer.  Why  delay  ? 
Why  live  another  hour  in  the  awful  danger  of 
eternal  wo?" 

8.  They  preached  a  free  salvation.  Christ  died 
for  all.  No  dread  decree  had  foredoomed  a  single 
soul  to  torment.  All,  all  were  invited.  God  is  no 
respecter  of  persons.  On  the  man  that  is  lost  is 
the  sole  responsibility  of  his  own  doom. 

9.  They  preached  a  full  salvation — salvation  from 
all  sin. 

10.  They  preached  a  conscious  salvation.  Every 
man  may  know  his  sins  forgiven. 

After  Mr.  Wesley's  conversion  there  were  only  a 
very  few  ordained  ministers  like-minded  with  him- 
self who  would  co-operate  with  him  in  the  work  of 
saving  souls.  But  the  work  grew  and  the  fields  on 
all  sides  were  white  to  the  harvest.  The  demand 
for  laborers  was  urgent,  but  it  could  not  be  supplied 
by  regular  clergymen.  What  was  to  be  done?  A 
young  man,  converted  under  his  ministry,  moved 
by  the  Holy  Ghost,  began  to  preach.  His  first  im- 
pulse was  to  put  a  stop  to  so  shocking  an  irregu- 
39 


SOU  The  OentfjstmaL  oi' 

larity.  But  God  ordered  otherwise.  After  painful 
dubitation  lie  was  convinced  that  tbe  hand  of  God 
was  in  it.  Thenceforward  he  employed  lav  preach- 
ers to  be  his  helpers  in  the  gospel,  and  the  great 
body  of  the  early  Methodist  preachers  were  lay- 
men. That  is,  they  were  not  licensed  nor  ordained 
in  any  church,  but  only  employed  by  Mr.  Wesley. 
But  they  felt  themselves  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost 
to  preach  the  gospel,  and  the  result  vindicated 
their  conviction. 

These  men  regarded  Wesley  as  their  father  in 
God,  and  put  themselves  entirely  at  his  disposal  to 
labor  where  and  as  he  directed.  He  soon  found 
that  it  was  expedient  to  remove  them  from  one 
Held  to  another  frequently,  and  thus  originated  the 
itinerant  system.  This  system  became  so  well  es- 
tablished that  it  became  incorporated  into  the  so- 
cieties when  they  took  the  form  of  churches.  As 
a  mode  of  pastoral  appointment  and  distribution 
of  ministerial  service  it  is  entirely  unique.  There 
is  nothing  like  it  in  other  churches.  It  is,  to  all 
intents,  an  outgrowth  of  the  great  revival  and  one 
of  its  chief  agencies.  It  holds  a  prominent  place 
in  the  methods  by  which  the  great  work  has  been 
perpetrated  and  its  vital  force  maintained.  Its 
principal  features  are  that  it  puts  the  pastors  of  the 
church  into  the  hands  of  an  appointing  officer  who 
distributes  them  and  changes  them  from  place  to 
place  at  frequent  intervals,  as  the  needs  of  the  work 
may  indicate.  The  churches  do  not  call  their 
pastors  but  the  bishop  appoints  them. 

The  unparalleled  success  of  this  method  is  a  fact 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  BOT 

which  no  one  can  deny.  Let  u>  pause  to  consider 
the  secret  of  its  efficiency  in  keeping  alive  the  re- 
vival spirit  of  the  church. 

1.  It  keeps  all  the  churches  constantly  supplied 
with  pastors.  Changes  must  often  occur  under  any 
system,  and  in  other  systems  when  the  pastor  dies 
or  resigns  there  is  of  necessity  an  interval  longer  or 
shorter  in  which  the  pulpit  is  empty.  This  interval 
is  often  of  considerable  duration,  and  always  in- 
volves greater  or  less  loss  to  the  church,  for  in  the 
absence  of  a  regular  pastor  things  will  go  at  loose 
ends.  But  in  the  itinerant  system  there  is  no  va- 
cation of  a  charge.  The  moment  one  man  leaves 
another  enters,  except  in  case  of  death  ;  and  in 
that  case  the  appointing  power  is  at  hand,  and  the 
place  is  so  promptly  supplied  that  there  is  no  per- 
ceptible loss. 

2.  It  brings  the  entire  pastorate  under  review 
once  a  year,  and  where  things  are  not  working 
well,  re-adjusts  them,  so  as  to  secure  the  highest 
measure  of  efficiency  possible. 

3.  Every  pastor's  work  is  brought  under  revision 
annually  in  the  midst  of  his  peers.  This  augments 
the  sense  of  responsibility  and  tends  strongly  to 
promote  activity  and  fidelity  in  the  work. 

4.  The  pastor  has  but  a  short  time  in  any  par- 
ticular field,  and  knows  that  what  he  does  there, 
must  be  done  quickly.  lie  therefore  concentrates 
himself  upon  his  work.  In  a  life-long  pastorate  he 
might  afford  to  postpone  special  effort  and  to  rest 
in  slower  processes. 

5.  An    incident    of   the   itinerancy    is    that    the 


308  The  Centennial  of 

preachers  are  thrown  much  together,  and  succeed 
each  other  often  in  their  charges.  This  tends  to 
friendly  emulation  and  creates  an  esprit  du  corps 
that  is  of  the  highest  value. 

6.  This  system  renders  stagnation  impossible.  It 
keeps  things  stirred  up  in  the  most  vigorous  way. 
No  man  stays  in  one  place  long  enough  to  be  tired 
of  the  sound  of  his  own  voice,  nor  does  he  remain 
long  after  he  loses  his  vital  hold  upon  the  people. 
It  has  often  been  said  that  this  system  works  well 
in  the  country,  but  that  a  settled  pastorate  is  better 
for  cities.  I  am  fully  persuaded,  upon  large  obser- 
vation, that  this  is  a  mistake.  It  has  been  farther 
affirmed  that  the  itinerancy  tends  to  make  preach- 
ers good  revivalists  but  poor  pastors,  and  is,  there- 
fore, a  good  aggressive  system,  but  does  not  con- 
serve the  fruits  of  its  own  success — that  the  settled 
pastorate  is  better  for  that.  But  I  am  well  con- 
vinced that  the  average  of  pastoral  activity  among 
Methodist  preachers  will  bear  comparison  with  that 
of  any  others.  The  man  who  thinks  it  possible 
that  he  may  be  separated  from  his  flock  at  the  end 
of  the  year,  if  he  is  a  conscientious  man,  will  feel 
that  he  must  do  his  duty  by  them  while  the  brief  op- 
portunity remains.  There  is  also  a  very  proper 
motive  of  regard  to  one's  own  interests  that  is  op- 
erative with  the  best  men,  and  the  preacher  knows 
that  fidelity  and  activity  tend  strongly  to  secure 
good  appointments  and  long  terms. 

T.  The  labors  of  the  most  efficient  men  are  not 
confined  to  a  few  localities.  There  are  some  men 
who  are   always   uniformly  successful.     In  two  or 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  309 

three  or  four  years  they  accomplish  about  what 
may  be  practicable  for  them  in  one  place  for  that 
time.  Another  good  man,  but  less  aggressive,  may 
conserve  the  fruit  of 'his  labors  for  a  few  years  as  well 
as  he,  while  he  goes  to  a  fresh  field  that  is  awaiting 
him  and  needs  him.  Thus  the  most  vital  men  have 
a  larger  opportunity  than  would  be  otherwise  pos- 
sible. It  requires  large  observation  to  see  how 
much  is  involved  in  this.  Some  first-rate  men,  in 
the  run  of  twenty  or  thirty  years,  quicken  the 
church  into  reproductive  power  over  the  area  of 
an  entire  conference. 

8.  Frequent  changes  relieve  churches  and  preach- 
ers of  the  alienations  and  prejudices  which  will, 
sometimes,  spring  up  around  the  best  men. 

9.  When  the  church  desires  a  change  for  any 
cause,  it  comes  about  without  friction.  Otherwise 
bad  blood  would  be  stirred  up  in  getting  rid  of  a 
pastor  distasteful  to  most,  but  influential  with  many. 
This  is  often  matter  of  great  consequence. 

10.  But  there  remains  one  view  to  be  presented 
which  is,  perhaps,  the  most  important  of  all.  The 
average  itinerant  preacher,  if  he  is  faithful  to  his 
vows,  can  never  accumulate  property.  He  is  doomed 
to  poverty.  He  is  a  pilgrim  and  a  stranger  in  the 
world.  He  can  have  no  home  to  enrich  and  beau- 
tify, so  that  he  may  say,  "  here  is  my  rest."  He 
must  break  up  and  go  whenever,  wherever  he  may 
be  sent.  He  follows  a  Master  who,  though  foxes 
have  holes  and  the  birds  of  the  air  nests  for  them- 
selves, had  not  where  to  lay  his  head.  Two  of  the 
deepest  instincts  of  our  nature  must  be  violated — 


310  The  Centennial  of 

the  love  of  money  and  the  love  of  home.  The 
faithful  itinerant  may  get  a  comfortable  subsistence 
or  he  may  he  reduced  to  the  most  humiliating 
straits — it  is  reasonably  certain  he  will  get  nothing 
to  hoard. 

I  say  it  solemnly,  I  say  it  with  deliberation, 
this  is  best. 

If  it  were  otherwise,  mercenary  men  would  seek 
a  place  among  us,  and  what  a  curse  that  would  be  I 
If  it  were  otherwise  some  of  us  would  become  mer- 
cenary, and  that  would  be  an  immeasurable  ca- 
lamity. A  worldly  spirit  is  absolutely  incompatible 
with  the  christian  ministry.  Mr.  Wesley,  if  he 
had  amassed  wealth,  could  never  have  done  the 
work  he  did  in  the  world.  His  spirit  would  have 
become  dilute  and  feeble.  His  work  required  that 
lie  should  concentrate  himself  upon  it.  No  divided 
energies  could  be  adequate  to  that  task. 

The  disposition  to  lay  up  treasure  upon  the  earth 
is  very  strong,  and  justifies  itself  by  many  plausi- 
bilities. It  is  very  skillful  in  giving  itself  harmless 
and  even  commendable  names.  Covetousness  names 
itself  frugality.  Wicked  hoarding  names  itself  a 
proper  care  and  thoughtful  provision  for  children. 
Preachers  are  but  men,  and  in  circumstances  favor- 
able to  accumulation  and  worldlessness,  many  would 
become  corrupt.  Three  removes,  it  has  been  said, 
are  equal  to  a  fire.  If  so,  a  good  many  of  us 
preachers  have  been  burnt  out  several  times. 

You  say  this  operates  great  hardship  on  the 
preachers  and  their  families.  Be  it  so.  No  great 
work  has  ever  yet  been  done  in   the  world  without 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.         311 

hardship.  When  the  spirit  of  self-sacrifice  shall 
be  lost  in  the  conferences  our  work  will  be  done, 
and  nothing  will  be  left  of  Methodism  but  the  name. 
The  danger  I  dread  is  not  in  the  hardships  of  the 
preachers.  But  as  the  church  prospers  here  and 
there  a  wealthy  congregation  supports  its  pastor 
handsomely.  The  pastor  and  his  family  contract 
habits  and  tastes  of  expensive  living  that  make  the 
prospect  of  a  poorer  charge  unwelcome.  Are  we 
not  in  danger  of  getting  a  class  of  men  in  the  con- 
ferences  who  will  be  seeking  the  best  places  and,  it 
may  be,  using  influences  to  get  them  ?  It  is  whis- 
pered, now  and  then,  that  there  are  such  men  al- 
ready among  us.  That  cases  of  the  sort  are  to  be 
found  I  am  not  prepared  to  deny.  That  they  are 
numerous  I  do  not  believe.  On  the  contrary,  from 
wide  and  close  observation,  I  have  the  conviction 
that  the  body  of  Methodist  preachers  is  sound  to 
the  core.  Nearly  all  the  preachers  in  any  given 
conference  hold  themselves  read}7  to  go  wherever 
the  bishop,  when  informed  as  to  their  circumstances, 
may,  in  his  godly  judgment,  deem  it  right  to  appoint 
them.  Now  and  then,  only,  one  refuses  to  serve  a 
work  where  he  sees  prospect  of  insufficient  support ; 
but  the  cases  are  so  rare  as  scarcely  to  require  men- 
tion. There  is  not  wanting  even  now,  the  mind 
that  was  in  Christ,  the  mind  that  was  also  in  Mr. 
Wesley — the  readiness  to  accept  not  only  toil  but 
also  poverty — even  the  deepest  poverty — if  the  Mas- 
ter's name  and  cause  require  it.  Only  men  who 
■count  it  an  honor  to  suffer  with  their  Lord  in  the 
work  of  saving  souls  from  eternal  death  can  either 


312  The  Centennial  of 

preserve  the  itinerant  system  in  its  integrity  or  per- 
petuate the  Wesleyan  revival. 

Among  the  agencies  of  the  great  revival  are  class- 
meetings  and  love-feasts.  These  meetings  make  the 
most  of  our  social  nature  as  a  means  of  promoting 
a  high  degree  of  experimental  and  practical  godli- 
ness, and  a  high  state  of  religion  in  the  church  is 
essential  to  revivals.  The  work  of  grace  is  active 
only  in  a  living  church.  There  must  be  present  the 
habit  and  power  of  prayer.  There  must  be  vital 
intercourse  with  God  if  the  Holy  Spirit  is  to  do  His 
work  through  the  church.  These  meetings  tend 
not  «»nly  to  keep  vital  godliness  alive  in  the  church 
but  to  bring  it  into  expression,  to  make  it  active 
and  social ;  and  it  is  this  form  of  christian  life  that 
is  peculiarly  aggressive. 

One  of  the  most  striking  and  remarkable  features 
in  the  methods  adopted  by  Mr.  Wesley  was  his 
rigid  administration  of  discipline.  It  was  to  the 
last  degree  uncompromising  and  peremptory.  No 
man  could  continue  in  the  societies  who  did  not 
conform  to  the  rules.  Absence  from  class  three 
weeks  without  good  reason  brought  inevitable  ex- 
clusion, lie  would  have  no  useless  numbers.  His 
object  was  not  to  get  a  large  following  but  to  save 
souls.  Sometimes  in  his  annual  visitation  of  socie- 
ties he  struck  off  three-fourths  of  the  names  on  the 
class  books  at  a  stroke.  It  was  not  tbe  honor  of 
being  at  the  head  of  a  great  party  that  he  labored 
for  but  to  save  souls.  He  knew  that  to  do  this  he 
must  keep  the  societies  pure  and  vigorous,  and  in 
order  to  this  all   dead  members  must  be  removed. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  313 

To  tolerate  them  would  bring  on  a  contagion  of 
death.  I  have  no  doubt  that  a  lax  discipline  would 
have  enfeebled  the  movement  in  the  early  history 
of  it,  so  that  it  could  never  have  acquired  the  mo- 
mentum that  has  carried  it  forward  so  grandly. 

It  is  possible  that  if  the  organizations  had  been  a 
church  instead  of  mere  societies,  as  they  were  at 
first,  Mr.  Wesley  would  have  cut  off  members  with 
greater  hesitation.  But,  brethren,  our  danger  now 
is  from  excess  of  leniency.  Unworthy  members, 
after  due  admonition,  if  they  do  not  amend,  mustbe 
expelled.  Otherwise  we  shall  lose  all  our  power  and 
reproductive  vitality.  Revivals  will  die  out  amongst 
us.   Outward  sin  cannot  be  tolerated  with  any  safety. 

One  other  most  important  fact  remains  to  be 
noted.  It  was  not  only  key  preaching  that  was  pro- 
minent in  the  Wesleyan  method,  but  lay  activity 
generally.  The  early  societies  were  like  beehives 
for  spiritual  activity.  No  idlers  were  allowed. 
The  drones  were  put  out  of  the  hive.  There  was 
no  place  for  them.  Not  only  the  lay  preachers, 
traveling  and  local,  but  all  laymen,  and  the  women 
were  at  work.  Every  man  at  all  gifted  was  a  prayer 
leader  or  a  class  leader  or  a  band  leader.  Every  one, 
men  and  women,  would  lead  in  prayer  in  the  social 
meetings.  Every  one  would  speak  in  the  class 
meetings  and  love-feasts,  and  these  meetings  were 
of  frequent  recurrence.  Then  they  were  active  in 
private  and  social  life.  In  fact  all  the  brain  and 
social  influence  of  the  early  Methodists  were  laid 
under  tribute  by  the  revival.     Whatever  any  man 


318  The  Centennial  op 

to  labor  in  revivals— for  the  Methodist  laymen  were 
trained  to  work  in  revivals,  and  many  of  them  were 
as  active,  preaching  excepted,  in  times  of  revival  as 
the  preachers,  and  not  less  influential. 

Thanks  to  the  itinerant  system,  the  preachers  did 
not  wait  for  the  people  to  go  and  get  ready  and 
build  churches  and  call  them.  If  that  order  had 
prevailed  vast  regions  must  have  gone  into  barbar- 
ism before  the  gospel  had  ever  entered  them.  Es- 
pecially must  this  have  been  so  if  preachers  had  ap- 
peared no  faster  than  the  theological  factories  could 
turn  them  out.  But  so  far  from  waiting  for  the 
people  to  call  them  they  went  after  the  people,  ac- 
cording to  the  command  of  Christ  to  call  them.  The 
Bishops  sent  them  without  purse  or  scrip,  and  they 
went  gladly,  to  live  as  the  Lord  might  provide. 
Throughout  that  vast  region,  Kentucky,  Ohio,  In- 
diana, Tennessee,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Louisiana, 
Missouri,  Texas,  Michigan,  Minnesota,  Iowa,  and 
later  in  the  immense  Territories  of  the  remoter 
west  and  on  the  Pacific  slope,  the  emigrant  could 
scarcely  build  his  first  cabin  in  any  most  inac- 
cessible neighborhood  till  the  Methodist  preacher 
dismounted  at  his  elbow.  With  the  preacher  came 
everywhere  the  revival.  It  was  in  him.  And  every- 
where, still  he  met  Methodist  people  ever  ready  to 
be  kindled  by  his  presence  into  a  new  fiame  which 
should  spread  among  their  neighbors. 

And  during  all  this  time  the  church,  in  the  At- 
lantic States,  depleted  by  snch  heavy  drain  of  emi- 
gration, has  had  reproductive  power  sufficient  to 
maintain  a  vigorous  growth,  and  keep  up  a  full  sup- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  319 

ply  of  preachers.  Its  growth  is  still  to-day  as  steady 
and  assuring  as  it  was  fifty  years  ago.  From  Mr. 
Wesley  down  God  has  kept  the  Methodist  people 
exclaiming,  ever  with  new  surprise,  "Behold!  what 
hath  God  wrought."  "It  is  His  work  and  marvel- 
lous in  our  eyes." 

5.  The  product  of  the  Methodist  revival  in  christ- 
ian schools  and  colleges  alone  would  astonish  you  if 
I  could  present  the  whole  array  of  facts  before  you. 
Sanctified  learning  has  abounded  through  it,  in 
America  especially,  almost  beyond  belief.  All 
over  the  land  it  has  made  vast  outlay  in  the  erection 
of  innumerable  high  schools.  In  almost  or  quite 
every  State  it 'has  one  or  more  colleges.  In  the  west 
it  has  often  outrun  its  resources  and  founded  insti- 
tutions which  it  could  not  sustain.  But  while  they 
lived  they  accomplished  much ;  and  many  have 
survived  and  are  now  established  on  an  assured 
footing.  In  these,  thousands  of  young  people  of 
both  sexes  are  receiving  tuition  under  christian  aus- 
pices, and  are  being  trained  not  only  in  the  arts  and 
sciences  but  in  piety  and  faith.  Your  own  confer- 
ence is  doing  a  noble  work  in  this  regard.  May 
Trinity  and  Greensboro  and  Davenport  swell  the 
volume  of  the  Methodist  revival  in  the  trained 
thought  of  the  world  to  the  end  of  time. 

6.  This  revival  is  molding  the  cultivated  thought 
of  the  country  to  its  own  character  not  only  in  its 
schools,  but,  also,  by  a  voluminous  literature,  both 
periodical  and  permanent.  In  the  Southern  Church 
alone  there  are  no  less  than  twelve  weeklies,  besides 
the  Sunday  School  Magazine  and  papers.     Add  to 


310  The  Centennial  of 

moral    character    ot  the  lower  classes    throughout 
the  kingdom  was  greatly  improved. 

3.  From  these  classes  it  worked  upward,  and  it 
is  admitted  on  all  hands  that  the  effect  has  been  a 
permanent  elevation  of  the  moral  and  religious 
life  of  the  people  at  large,  It  reacted  upon  the 
Established  Church,  ultimately,  with  great  effect, 
and  wrought  in  it  a  much  needed  reformation. 
The  whole  social  and  religious  atmosphere  of  the 
nation  has  been  purified  by  its  electric  activity. 

4.  From  England  it  came  to  America,  where  it& 
greatest  numerical  result  has  been  realized. 

When  God  turns  a  world  upside  down  He  always 
provides  levers  of  adequate  strength.  Asbury  and 
his  associates  proved  to  be  equal  to  the  strain  of 
the  divine  pressure.  They  had  brain  and  heart 
and  muscle  equal  to  the  force  brought  to  bear  upon 
them.  The  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost  was  upon 
them,  and  they  had  the  tongue  of  fire.  The  work 
began  in  the  Middle  States  while  they  were  yet 
colonies.  It  spread  southward  with  great  rapidity 
and  force.  It  maintained  itself  well  during  the 
Revolutionary  war.  After  that  it  "grew  mightily 
and  prevailed."  A  Virginian  carried  it  into  New 
England.  It  soon  established  itself  in  Canada 
and  became  co-extensive  with  the  English  speaking 
people  of  the  New  World. 

Its  revivals  were  an  irresistible  contagion.  They 
were  marked  by  an  awful  conviction  of  sin  and  sud- 
den and  joyful  conversions.  In  the  vast  assemblies 
of  the  people  it  was  often  "  very  tempestuous  round 
about,"  and  there  was  a  confused  noise  of  weeping 


Methodism  in  Korth  Carolina.  3i? 

and  shouting.  Religion  was  felt  to  be  the  most  real 
of  all  realities  and  the  one  interest  that  swallowed 
lip  all  other  concerns.  Holiness  of  heart  and  life  wag 
still  the  motto  as  it  was  at  the  first  in  England.  The 
fact  is  the  experience  of  Wesley  was  reproduced  in 
its  fulness  in  Asbury  and  from  him  in  the  American 
preachers.  Their  one  desire  was  "to  spread  scrip- 
ture holiness  over  the  land,"  and  to  this  one  aim 
they  directed  all  their  preaching,  their  example*, 
and  the  administration  of  discipline  in  the  church; 
In  the  matter  of  discipline  they  were  scrupulous, 
perhaps  often  harsh,  but  they  were  training  a  holy 
people  for  the  Lord.  Their  success  was  not  so  much 
in  numbers,  but  in  holiness.  Failing  to  secure  that 
they  failed  altogether. 

They  were  soon  established  on  every  part  of  the 
Atlantic  slope,  and  by  one  of  those  marvellous  coin- 
cidences which  often  surprise  us  in  our  historical 
studies,  just  at  the  time  when  they  became  strong 
in  the  old  States  the  great  flood  of  emigration  set  in 
which  took  possession  of  that  vast  intra-mural  re- 
gion, the  Mississippi  Y  alley.  What  fecundity  there 
was  in  this  revival  to  multiply  preachers  as  fast  as 
they  were  needed  for  the  west  without  unduly  de- 
pleting the  east !  But  so  it  was.  Everywhere  the 
emigrant  met  the  ubiquitous  Methodist  preacher. 
But  the  revival  had  not  only  provided  preachers 
for  the  emigrants ;  it  had  also  prepared  the  emi- 
grants for  the  preachers.  Everywhere  the  preach- 
ers found  Methodists  among  the  emigrants  to  enter- 
tain them,  to  countenance  them,  to  provide  them 
preaching  places,  to  form  the  nucleus  of  churches  and 


314  The  Centennial  of 

or  woman  could  do  to  promote  the  spread  of  vital 
godliness  in  the  community  was  done. 

[f  we  could  get  hack  to  the  era  of  universal  ac- 
tivity in  the  private  membership,  with  all  the  cul- 
tivated intellect  and  social  powers  that  are  now  in 
the  church,  we  should  carry   everything  before  us. 

But  I  cannot  pass  from  the  consideration  of  the 
revival  methods  of  Methodism  without  a  word  about 
the  singing.  This  was  as  prominent  and  striking 
a  feature  of  the  work  as  it  is  of  Mr.  Moody's  now, 
with  this  difference,  that  the  Wesleyan  hymns  were 
of  a  higher  order  of  poetry,  with  much  more  of 
solid  evangelical  thought  and  a  nobler  style  of  sen- 
timent than  the  songs  in  use  by  the  revivalists  of 
our  time.  There  was  nothing  frivolous  in  them. 
They  had  the  merit  that  caused  them  to  live.  They 
gave  a  just  and  full  expression  to  all  the  emotions 
of  penitence,  the  deep  consciousness  of  faith  and 
the  rapture  of  worship.  They  enlightened  the  un- 
derstanding and  melted  the  heart.  Many  a  hard- 
ened sinner  who  had  resisted  the  gospel  in  the  ser- 
mon wTas  conquered  by  the  gospel  in  the  song.  All 
the  people  sang,  and  only  as  those  wrho  know  their 
sins  forgiven,  can  sing.     The  pathos  was  irresistible. 

Add  to  all  this  preaching  and  discipline,  this  lay 
activity,  this  dominancy  of  religion  in  social  life 
and  this  singing,  the  courage  and  persistency  of 
Mr.  Wesley  and  his  coadjutors,  and  you  have  the 
agencies  that  will  carry  forward  the  work  of  God 
in  any  age  or  country.  Then  there  w7as  the  deep 
humility    and    sense   of  dependence    on    God,   the 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  315 

living  faith  and  the  agony  of  prayer,  in  response  to 
which  God  always  gives  the  Holy  Spirit. 

But  the  great  secret  of  their  power  was  in  their 
communion  with  God  and  their  entire  sense  of  de- 
pendence on  Him.  They  were  men  of  prayer. 
They  were  much  in  prayer.  They  were  in  an 
agony  before  God.  They  wrestled  with  Him. 
They  could  not  go  a  warfare  on  their  own  charges. 
They  must  feel  the  presence  of  God  with  them. 
They  were  not  content  with  the  mere  duty  of 
prayer.  They  must  have  the  power.  Their  own 
sins  must  be  cleansed  and  their  lips  touched  with 
the  live  coal  from  the  altar.  They  had  a  vital 
grasp  of  God  and  in  His  strength  they  did  His 
Work. 

Without  this  they  would  have  been  as  other  men, 
Without  the  same  spirit  of  prayer,  brethren,  all  our 
labors  will  end  in  defeat.  Only  when  God  meets 
us  in  the  closet  will  He  reward  us  in  our  labors 
openly. 

III.  It  only  remains  that  we  should  glance  at  the 
results.  In  doing  so  I  shall  not  attempt  numerical 
accuracy,  but  only  a  general  view. 

1.  The  first  of  the  results  of  the  Methodistic  re- 
vival, both  in  time  and  importance,  was  the  awaken- 
ing and  conversion  of  many  thousands  of  souls  in 
Great  Britain  and  Ireland.  Of  the  converts  many 
fell  away,  but  multitudes  continued  to  walk  in  their 
integrity  before  God  and  died  in  faith. 

2.  These  first  converts  were  generally  persons  in 
humble  life  and  many  of  them  of  the  more  vicious 
classes,  and  so  wide-spread   was  the  work  that  the 


320  The  Centennial  of 

this  a  wide-spread  patronage  of  the  Southern  Be- 
view.     All  this,   with  our  books,  is  but  a  fraction 
of  the   Methodist   literature    afloat    on    our    conti- 
nent.    There  is  no  telling  to  what  extent  the  Meth- 
odist press  is  molding  the  thought  of  this  country. 
7    He  who  counts  only  the  communicants  in  the 
Methodist  Churches  falls  far  below  the  actual  census 
of  Methodism.      I    myself  know    of  instances   of 
strong  churches  in  other  communions  whose  mem- 
bers are  nearly  all  converts  of  Methodist  revivals, 
and  I  hear  of'  similar  cases  almost  everywhere.     It 
is  a  fountain  that  overflows  into  many  reservoirs. 

8.  Methodism  has  revolutionized  the  popular 
theology  of  this  country.  It  has,  also,  given  the 
pulpit  of  our  times  a  new  tone,  and  its  revival 
agencies  are  largely  adopted  by  other  churches.  To 
what  extent  the  great  revival  has  quickened  the 
evangelical  churches  of  America  no  man  can  tell/ 
But  that  this  has  been  clone  to  a  very  large  extent 
is  indubitable.  It  would  not  surprise  me  if  in  the 
last  day  the  indirect  result  shall  appear  to  have 
been  as  vast  as  the  more  direct. 

How  many  have  been  redeemed  from  ignorance, 
vice  and  degradation  by  it  only  eternity  can  reveal. 

9.  I  mention  one  other  result  of  this  revival, 
the  grandeur  of  which  the  world  is  not  yet  pre- 
pared te  comprehend.  It  is  the  Mother  of  Modern 
Missions.  The  first  Methodist  Bishop  was  the  first 
mover  in  this  grand  enterprise  of  converting  the 
world.  Out  of  his  own  estate  he  contributed  with 
lavish  generosity,  and  then  begged  from  door  to 
«]«,.,r  to    P.rfiftte  a  mission  in  India.     Not    content 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  321 

with  this,  he  embarked  himself,  but  God  took  him 
in  the  midst  of  the  voyage.  More  than  half  way 
to  India  his  body  is  preserved  in  the  depths  of  the 
salt  ocean,  as  if  evermore,  in  the  silent  eloquence 
of  death,  he  were  there  calling  the  church  to  the 
regions  beyond.  The  call  lias  not  been  in  vain. 
Only  one  other,  and  that  a  very  small  church, 
equals  the  British  Methodists  in  missionary  zeal 
and  liberality. 

Already  this  invasion  of  heathenism  has  made 
such  advances  and  gained  such  foothold,  with  such 
base  of  operations  as  gives  assurance  of  the  final 
conquest.  The  results  already  reached  and  the 
augmenting  power  of  the  movement  are  simply 
amazing.  The  conditions  of  a  complete  triumph 
are  even  now  in  sight.  It  is  going  on  with  a  maj- 
esty and  power  that  insure  the  result;  and  it  is 
a  product  of  the  Wesleyan  revival.  Under  the 
banners  and  battle-cry  of  Methodism  the  forces  of 
Christendom  were  marshaled  for  the  final  campaign 
of  that  great  army  of  invasion  and  occupation  that 
shall  conquer  and  hold  the  world  for  Christ. 

Methodism  can  never  perish.  I  dare  not  affirm 
that  the  churches  which  are  its  present  incarnation 
will  never  become  effete.  But  the  spirit  and  essence 
of  the  great  revival  can  never  die.  It  is  too  vital. 
If  one  set  of  organs  fails  it,  it  will  create  another. 
What  St.  Paul  did  can  never  perish.  What  Luther 
did  can  never  perish.  Their  work  is  too  vital ;  it 
is  inwrought  too  deeply  into  the  primary  condi- 
tions of  thought  and  faith,  and  has  too  much  of 
God  in  it  to  fail.  What  Wesley  did  is  equally  di- 
41 


322  The  Centennial  of 

vine  and  has  the  same  tenure  of  immortality.  It 
is  one  of  those  incursions  of  God  into  history. 
which  successively  supplement,  but  do  not  displace 
each  other,  the  earlier  combining  with  the  later, 
and  all  proceeding  toward  the  consummation  of  the 
purposes  of  grace,  by  bringing  into  clearer  and 
clearer  light,  and  more  and  more  perfect  dominancy, 
the  powers  of  the  world  to  come.  When  the  leopard 
and  the  kid  shall  lie  down  together  and  a  little 
child  shall  lead  them  ;  when  the  lion  shall  eat  straw 
like  the  ox  and  the  weaned  child  shall  play  upon 
the  cocatrice's  den;  when  nations  shall  make  war 
no  more  ;  when  science  and  art  and  agriculture 
shall  reach  conditions  of  health  and  snstentation 
that  shall  feed  a  thousand  men  from  every  acre ; 
when  diplomacy  shall  become  as  artless  as  the 
speech  of  childhood  ;  when  there  shall  be  no  more 
any  politicians,  and  statesmen  shall  be  the  trusted 
and  faithful  fathers  of  the  commonwealth  ;  when 
secretaries  shall  cease  to  take  bribes  and  inves- 
tigating committees  shall  find  their  occupation 
gone ;  when  piety  and  purity  and  industry  shall 
link  heaven  and  earth  together  and  millennial 
brightness  shall  dawn  upon  the  destinies  of  man- 
kind, and  all  nations  together  shall  see  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  chief  hu- 
man media  through  which  the  new  birth  of  the 
world  shall  have  been  accomplished  will  be  seen  to 
be  the  great  Apostle,  the  great  Reformer  and  the 
great  Revivalist. 

The  other  day  in  the  hall  of  one  of  the   Literary 
Societies  of  Randolph  Macon   College  I  saw  that 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  323 

master-piece,  the  original  painting  of  the  death  bed 
of  Wesley.  The  figures  seem  almost  if  not  quite 
life  size.  That  group  of  reverend  men  and  kneel- 
ing, weeping  women  about  his  bed  presents  an  as- 
pect that  is  touching  in  the  last  degree.  The  dying 
man  lies  in  perfect  repose,  his  face  upward,  and 
upon  the  countenance  and  closed  eyes  is  the  majesty 
of  a  mighty  peace.  The  closed  eye — closed  to  the 
earth  forever,  now  !  But  it  opens  now  upon  another 
world.  It  is  turned  from  the  weeping  cluster  to  an- 
other and  a  larger  group.  On  the  other  bank  of  the 
river  are  a  hundred  thousand  of  his  spiritual  child- 
ren who  have  already  crossed  before  him.  Whitfield 
steps  down  into  the  very  edge  of  the  water,  shout- 
ing, with  his  arms  stretched  out.  Fletcher  of  Made- 
ley  is  at  his  side,  all  controversy  forgotten  now.  A 
clamor  of  triumphant  salutation  greets  him  as  he 
ascends  the  shore.  It  is  a  great  day  in  heaven.  The 
very  angels  fotget  their  enterprises  with  such  a 
spectacle  of  love  and  rapture  in  their  presence.  The 
Eternal  Father  welcomes  His  servant  and  the  Eter- 
nal Son  rejoices. 

Wesley  rests  from  his  labors,  but.his  works  follow 
him.  After  an  interval  Coke  comes  up  and  reports 
to  him  that  India  is  invaded  for  Christ.  Asbury 
comes  laden  with  spoils  from  xVmerica.  Melville 
Cox  comes  waving  the  flag  of  conquest  from  Africa. 
Drumgoole,  Poythress,  Tatum  bring  the  first  sheaves 
from  North  Carolina.  All  cluster  about  their  glo- 
rified leader.  And  even  now,  while  I  am  speak- 
ing, his  spiritual  children  are  swarming  to  him 
from  the  four  quarters  of  the  earth.     Many  have 


32-i  The  Centennial  of 

gone  already  from  North  Carolina — many  from 
Raleigh.  Leigh  has  gone,  Carson  has  gone.  Bar- 
ringer  has  gone,  Reid  has  gone,  and  every  one 
went  loaded  with  sheaves.  And  now  to-night 
Blake — the  beloved — the  saintly — stands  apart  from 
our  toiling  company.  He  stands  on  the  bank  of 
the  river  and  looking  across  and  up,  sees  the  shin- 
ing ones  coming  down  to  meet  him,  just  ready  to 
take  wing  and  join  their  flight. 

Still  the  great  revival  wave  swells  and  spreads. 
Still  greater  multitudes  are  gathered  by  it  every 
successive  year.  Its  innumerable  laborers  toil  in 
augmenting  numbers  in  every  field  and  gather 
more  abundant  sheaves. 

Blessed  be  God  that  you  and  I  have  been  ad- 
mitted to  this  company  at  a  time  when  in  the  midst 
of  centennial  rejoicings  we  enter  into  the  abundant 
labors  of  these  glorified  men.  When  we  transmit 
the  inheritance  to  our  successors,  may  they  not  find 
it  all  gone  to  barrenness  and  weeds  under  our 
thriftless  hands.  God  forbid  !  May  we  live  so  that 
the  tears  of  our  survivors  shall  be  made  iridescent 
with  the  glory,  of  our  departure!  May  we  leave 
the  great  revival  in  full  vigor  when  we  go  to  join 
the  multitude  of  Methodists  on  Mount  Zion,  in  the 
general  assembly  and  church  of  the  first  born  ! 

The  doxology  was  sung  by  the  vast  audience, 
led  by  the  choir. 

Bishop  Marvin  pronounced  the  benediction. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  325 

FIFTH  DAY. 

March  25,  1876. 

The  Centennial  exercises  were  resumed  at  Metro- 
politan Hall,  10  o'clock  A.  M.,  Bishop  H.  N.  Mc- 
Tyeire,  D.  D.,  in  the  chair. 

.Religious  services  were  conducted  by  the  Bishop, 
assisted  by  Rev.  Henry  Gray. 

The  chairman  introduced  Hon.  John  N.  Staples, 
of  Greensboro,  N.  C.,'  who  addressed  the  audience. 
Subject : 

"  CHURCH    AND    STATE." 

Mr.  Staples  said  . 

Ladies  and  Gentlemen : 

The  subject  which  has  been  announced  for  dis- 
cussion this  morning  may  very  properly  be  divided 
into  three  parts,  namely : 

First.  The  Church,  its  antiquity,  triumphs  and 
ultimate  destiny. 

Secondly.  Civil  Government;  the  American  sys- 
tem, its  prerogatives  and  powers. 

Thirdly.  The  relations  existing  between  Church 
and  State  in  the  United  States  in  the  light  of  chris- 
tian civilization. 

I.  The  antiquity  of  the  church  is  sufficient  within 
itself  to  establish  its  divine  authorship  ;  its  growth 
and  progress  amidst  the  ever  changing  and  decay- 
ing  institutions  of  human   genius  entitle  it  in  an 


3^G  The  Centennial  of 

eminent  degree  to  the  warmest  confidence  of  every 
intelligent  being. 

There  is  a  sublimity  in  the  antiquity  of  the 
church  ;  it  is  older  than  the  Patriarchs  and  the 
Prophets  ;  more  ancient  than  the  thrones  of  Egypt ; 
it  lived  before  the  flood  was,  or  ere  Mose9  viewed 
the  promised  Canaan  from  the  summit  of  Nebo  ;  it 
has  outlived  the  glories  of  the  oriental  empires  and 
the  splendor  of  the  Jewish  Courts;  it  has  seen 
races  come  and  go,  like  the  clouds  of  the  morning, 
and  everywhere  within  the  range  of  human  civil- 
ization the  church  has  emerged  from  the  wreck  of 
earth's  grandest  achievements,  unhurt  by  the  com- 
motions of  civil  conflict,  and  unscathed  by  the 
darts  of  infidelity  and  scepticism  ;  it  has  seen  its 
martyrs  as  they  burned  at  the  stake  or  died  in 
loathsome  dungeons;  it  has  mourned  at  the  graves 
of  all  the  Apostles  ;  it  has  outlived  Herod  and  his 
wicked  court,  Pilate  and  his  judgment  seat,  Judas 
and  the  Roman  soldiery  ;  it  has  seen  the  proudest 
monuments  of  earth  crumble  beneath  the  weight 
of  time  ;  aye,  more  than  this,  it  has  seen  truth 
triumph  over  error,  Christianity  over  Paganism 
and  to-day,  to  the  furthest  bounds  of  civilization 
throughout  the  world,  the  church  wields  an  in- 
fluence and  a  power  before  which  tyrants  tremble 
and  the  gods  of  the  heathen  bow  their  heads  and 
die.  There  is  no  crown  that  will  not  tarnish 
worn  by  human  greatness  ;  there  is  no  throne  that 
will  not  fall  tilled  by  human  royalty;  there  is  no 
temple  that  will  not  crumble  erected  by  human 
hands.     The  glory  of  the  Cassars  dazzled  the  world 


Methodism  in  Korth  Carolina.  S27 

for  a  moment  and  then  vanished  ,  the  imperial 
courts  of  Rome  directed  the  destiny  of  nations  for 
a  while  and  then  passed  away.  Alexander,  Han- 
nibal, Cromwell  and  Napoleon,  each  played  his 
part  and  died ;  the  earth  is  full  of  buried  kings. 
But  where  are  their  conquests  ?  Changing,  forever 
passing  away  ;  but  the  church  grows  strong  with 
age,  and  every  succeeding  century  finds  it  advanc- 
ing, still  advancing,  always  advancing  Sirs,  the 
church  is  stronger  and  more  powerful  to-day  than 
in  any  other  time  of  its  history,  and  all  the  powers 
of  darkness,  in  whatever  form  or  shape,  will  not 
and  cannot  prevail  against  it ;  every  ordeal  through 
which  the  church  is  called  upon  to  pass,  it  comes 
out  with  renewed  vigor  and  increased  strength. 

We  revere  that  which  has  the  weight  of  years 
upon  it,  and  how  often  do  we  estimate  the  value 
of  things  by  their  associations  and  the  times  in 
which  they  existed  1  We  love  to  cherish  the 
ivy  covered  ruins  of  some  ancient  castle,  within 
whose  walls  the  knightly  chivalry  of  a  hundred 
years  ago  were  wont  to  revel ;  we  love  to  visit  the 
silent  chambers  of  some  time-worn  abbey,  and  in 
the  quiet  hour  of  twilight,  where  the  parting  rays 
of  the  sun's  golden  light  linger  and  play  upon  its 
tesselated  floors,  go  back  in  imagination  to  the 
days  when  the  voices  of  its  inmates  reverberated 
through  its  halls.  There  is  something  grand,  awe- 
inspiring  and  fearfully  impressive  in  realizing  one's 
self  in  the  presence  of  that  which  bears  upon  it  the 
impress  of  centuries  ;  that  which  connects  the  past 
with  the  present,  and  in  a  moment  carries  the  mind 


328  The  Centennial  of 

back  to  an  age  and  a  people  beyond  the  reach  of 
history  and  only  known  to  the  world  through  the 
development  of  physical  science;  but  how  much 
more  infinitely  sublime  must  be  the  church  than  all 
the  monuments  of  art,  the  trophies  of  science,  or 
the  relics  of  the  most  ancient  ages.  When  we  con- 
template its  beginning,  we  are  lost  in  the  eternity 
of  God;  when  we  dwell  upon  its  triumph  and  his- 
tory upon  earth,  we  are  filled  with  the  profoundest 
conviction  of  its  divine  appointment,  and  when  we 
consider  its  destiny,  we  compass  the  immortality  of 
the  human  soul. 

In  its  most  general  sense  the  word  church  means 
the  whole  collective  body  of  christians ;  in  the 
scriptures,  the  Jewish  believers,  or  those  who  fol- 
lowed the  law  of  Moses,  were  designated  as  the 
Jewish  church ;  those  who  profess  the  religion  of 
our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  are  called  christians  and 
are  designated  as  the  christian  church  ;  in  its  nar- 
rower sense  the  word  church  is  applied  to  any  par- 
ticular ecclesiastical  government,  such  for  instance 
as  the  Church  of  Rome,  the  Anglican  Church,  the 
Presbyterian,  the  Baptist,  the  Methodist,  &c.  We 
do  not  desire  on  this  occasion  to  take  up  the  various 
religious  creeds  of  the  world  or  discuss  them  in 
comparing  them  with  the  one,  or  contrasting  them 
with  the  other;  nor  do  we  feel  inclined  to  enter 
into  an  historical  account  of  the  causes  which  led 
to  divisions  and  schisms  in  the  church,  from  which 
sprung  many  of  the  most  powerful  denominations 
of  the  present  day.  I  would  not  offend  the  pro- 
prieties   of  the    occasion    by    animadverting   upon 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  329 

subjects   which   may    in  the    least  be  calculated  to 
mar  the  harmony  and  good  feeling   which  should 
exist    at    this  time  ;    yet  I  deem  it  but  an  act  of 
justice  to  the  memory  of  those  who  have  departed 
as  well  as  an  obligation  to  those   here  present   and 
to  posterity  hereafter,  to  commemorate  at  the  cen- 
tennial anniversary  of  Methodism  in  North  Caro- 
lina,   the    virtues,   sufferings  and    death    of  those 
whose  names  shed  lustre  upon  the  church  and  adorn 
humanity  itself.     The  difficulties  under  which  the 
Christian  Church  has  suffered  met  it  upon  the  very 
threshold    of  its  existence ;  its  author,  during  His 
short  life  upon  earth,  contended  with  persecutions 
revx lings,  false  accusations,  scoffings,  scourgings  and 
mockery,  and  at  last  surrendered  His  life  to  the  ma* 
ligmty    of  the   Jewish   authorities,   and  from  that 
.  time  began  that  terrible  crusade  against  the  chris- 
tian religion  which  appalls  the  civilized  world. 

In  the  first  century,  the  reign  of  Nero,  the  burn- 
ing of  Rome  was  the  imperial  accusation  against 
the  christians,  and  for  that  cause   they  were  incar- 
cerated   in    dungeons,  some  were  mantled  in    the 
skins    of  wild    beasts  and  thrown    to  dogs,  others 
were  set  on  fire  at  night,   and  their  burning  bodies 
illuminated  the  streets  of  the  city.     In  the  same 
century,  under  the  despotism  of  Domitian,  all  those 
who  dared  confess  themselves  christians  were  ban- 
ished and  exiled  and  their  property  confiscated  to 
the  avarice  of  the  Emperor.     Under  Wajan  chris- 
tian  confessors  were  put  to  death,  and  only  those 
pardoned  "who  would  renounce  Christianity  and 
return    to  the  Roman  gods."     All  the  public  ca- 
4^i 


330  The  Centennial  of 

lamities,  such  as  earthquakes,  famines,  pestilences, 
and  even  the  overflowings  of  the  Tiber,  excited  the 
vengeance  and  wrath  of  the  populace  against  the 
christians,  and  under  the  influence  of  their  magi- 
cians a  new  zeal  was  inspired  for  their  own  gods, 
and  more  bitter  persecutions  set  on  foot  against  the 
christians.     The  most  dreadful  inquisition  and  in- 
human tortures  were  sanctioned  by  the  authorities 
and   by  law.     Age   found    no  protection   at  their 
bloody  hands ;  the  frail   form    of  women   appealed 
in  vain  to  the  higher  elements  of  their  manhood, 
and    the  hopes  of  youth    withered    beneath    their 
blasting  and  deathly  touch.     Bishops,   priests  and 
deacons  were  put  to   death  by  the  sword,  and  not 
satisfied  with  burning  and  mutilating  their  bodies, 
the   infuriated   mobs  cast   the  ashes    and    charred 
bones  of  their  murdered  victims  into  the  waters  of 
the  Rhone,  that  "  no  remnant  of  these  enemies   of 
the  gods  might  pollute  the  earth."     The  tears  of 
the    widow    and  the  orphan    were    unavailing    to 
procure  for  decent   interment  the  bodies   of  their 
kinsmen,    and  not  until    the   human    heart    sick- 
ened   and    grew   weary  of  bloodshed  and  carnage, 
did   the   early    christians   enjoy    that   freedom    of 
conscience  for  which   so  many   had  forfeited  their 
personal  liberty,   their  private  fortunes,  and  even 
their  lives.     Short  intervals  of  time  ensued  when, 
comparatively  speaking,  they  enjoyed  unmolesta- 
tion  and  quiet,  but  in  the  main,  the  name  of  chris- 
tian for  many  years,  subjected  its  possessors  to  im- 
minent peril  and  danger.     There  are  three  periods 
of  Christianity  known  to  history.     The  first,  from 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  331 

the  time  of  Christ  to  the  beginning  of  the  fourth 
century;  the   second,  from    the   beginning    of   the 
fourth  century  to  the  time  of  the  Reformation  ;  the 
third,  from  the  Reformation  to  the  present.     The 
first  of  the  epochs  witnessed  a  continued  struggle 
between  Christianity  and  paganism  ;  it  saw  throne 
building  upon  the   downfall   of  the  other,  and  not- 
withstanding Christianity  was  opposed  by  the  sword, 
the  block,    the  stake   and  the   prison  on  the  one' 
hand,  and  by  the  intellectual  sarcasm  and  ridicule 
of  learned  men  on  the  other  ;  yet,  before  the  death 
of  all    the   Apostles  the    banner  of  the  Cross  was 
flying  in  nearly  all  the  countries   bordering  on  the 
Mediterranean.     Domitian,  Trajan,  Hodrian,   and 
Antoninus  Pins;  Marcus  Aurelius,  Decius,  Diocle- 
tian and  all  the  combined  powers  of  heathen  des- 
potism could  not  check  the  progress  of  the  Christ- 
ian  Church,  it  continued  to  grow  and  spread,  and 
ere  the  middle  of  the  fourth  century  "the  symbol 
of  Christianity  "  was  emblazoned  upon  "the  shields 
of  the  soldiers,  and  the  banners  of  the  Roman  army." 
Under  the  reign  of  Constantine  the  Great,  Christ- 
ianity was  made  by  imperial  edict  the  religion  of 
the  empire,  the  confiscated  property  of  christians 
was  restored  to  them,  and  any  attempt  to  interfere 
with,  or  restrain  religious  liberty  was  severely  pun- 
ished. 

The  great  minds  of  that  age  began  to  speculate 
about  the  revelations  of  christian  truth  ;  the  field 
of  human  thought  was  far  extended  beyond  the  ori- 
dinary  investigations  of  the  ancient 'schools,  and 
christian  philosophy,  then  in  its  infancy,  opened  up 


3'32  The  Centennial  of 

a  great  highway  for  the  finite  toward  the  infinite. 
The  soul  that  had  fretted  itself  into  weariness  in 
the  vain  endeavor  to  find  quiet  beneath  the  shadow 
of  a  material  God,  now  burst  asunder  the  prison 
doors  of  its  captivity  and  leaped  beyond  the  stars  to 
the  God  who  made  it. 

Whilst  the  political  condition  of  the  church  was 
much  advanced  at  this  time,  yet,  it  was  done  "  at 
the  expense  of  its  independence,"  at  the  loss  of 
much  of  its  moral  power. 

From  the  time  of  Constantine  to  the  close  of  the 
reign  of  Charlemagne  paganism  was  extinguished, 
and  Christianity  extended  its  conquests  into  Persia, 
India  and  Abyssinia.  The  organization  of  the 
church  under  Constantine  resembled  that  of  the  em- 
pire, and  became  in  a  high  degree  a  united  Catholic 
Church. 

The  foundations  of  the  papal  system  were  contin- 
ually strengthened  from  the  eighth  to  the  eleventh 
century,  and  from  that  time  to  the  thirteenth  cen- 
tury the  power  of  Rome  was  at  its  heighth. 

Under  the  pontificate  of  Gregory  the  VII  it  at- 
tained its  highest  moral  elevation,  temporally  it 
was  strongest  under  Innocent  the  III. 

The  church  became  rich  and  powerful,  its  func- 
tionaries avaricious,  corrupt  and  venal,  and  the 
benefices  and  patronage  of  the  church  were  prostitu- 
ted to  secular  interests;  the  morality  of  the  church 
was  daily  getting  worse,  and  error  and  vice  held 
high  carnival  in  the  ecclesiastical  courts;  more  than 
a  hundred  years  before  the  time  of  Luther  there  was 
a  general  concession  of  the  need  of  church  reform, 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  333 

it  was  urged  by  the  great  writers  of  the  age,  its 
necessity  was  admitted  by  the  Pope  himself,  it  was 
demanded  by  the  Emperors,  and  undertaken  by  the 
councils;  but,  all  proved  ineffectual;  there  were 
opposing  interests  which  could  not  be  reconciled, 
and  differences  and  prejudices  which  could  not  be 
overcome.  Thus  matters  were,  daily  growing 
worse,  until  suddenly  the  moral  darkness  of  the 
world  began  to  break  away  before  the  coming  of  the 
light  of  the  reformation  morn. 

Macauley  says  :  "About  a  hundred  years  after 
the  rising  of  the  Council  of  Constance,  that  great 
change  emphatically  called  the  Reformation  be- 
gan. The  fullness  of  time  was  now  come ;  the 
clergy  were  no  longer  the  sole  or  the  chief  deposi- 
taries of  knowledge  ;  the  invention  of  printing  had 
furnished  the  assailants  of  the  church  with  a 
mighty  weapon,  which  had  been  wanting  to  their 
predecessors.  The  study  of  the  ancient  writers, 
the  rapid  development  of  the  powers  of  the  modern 
languages,  the  unprecedented  activity  which  was 
displayed  in  every  deportment  of  literature,  the 
political  state  of  Europe,  the  vices  of  the  Roman 
court,  the  executions  of  the  Roman  chancery,  the 
jealousy  with  which  the  wealth  and  privileges  of 
the  clergy  were  naturally  regarded  by  laymen, 
the  jealousy  with  which  the  Italian  ascendancy  was 
naturally  regarded  by  men  born  on  one  side  of  the 
Alps,  all  these  things  gave  to  the  teachers  of  the 
new  theology  an  advantage  which  they  perfectly 
understood  how  to  use." 


334  The  Centennial  of 

How  well  they  used  that  advantage  let  the  Pro- 
testant world  speak,  how  grand  have  been  the  re- 
sults let  the  church  universal  answer. 

From  the  time  of  the  Reformation  beo;an  the 
greatest  triumphs  of  the  church  ;  the  chains  of  re- 
ligious bondage  were  broken,  and  the  liberty  of 
conscience  asserted  itself  throughout  Christendom. 
Ecclesiastical  despotism  hitherto  absolute  and  all- 
powerful,  gradually  loosened  its  hold  upon  the  peo- 
ple, and  everywhere  leaders  in  the  great  movement 
of  religious  independence  flung  themselves  into  the 
hottest  of  the  conflict.  Many  were  beheaded  and 
others  burned  at  the  stake,  the  powers  of  the  Eng- 
lish throne  were  brought  to  bear  against  them  : 
the  jails  of  England  were  full  of  the  victims  of 
cruel  oppression  ;  the  tower  of  Newgate  and  the 
old  Bailey  were  brought  into  requisition  to  crush 
the  spirit  of  religious  freedom,  and  the  persecu- 
tions in  France  were  of  the  most  atrocious  charac- 
ter. Those  who  were  not  chained  in  dungeons 
were  banished  and  exiled,  and  many  of  them  "fear- 
ing neither  the  rage  of  the  ocean  nor  the  hardships 
of  uncivilized  life,  neither  the  fangs  of  savage 
beasts  nor  the  tomahawks  of  more  savage  men, 
built  for  themselves  homes  amid  the  primeval 
forests  of  America,  "whither  they  fled  in  order  to 
enjoy  the  liberty  of  worshipping  God  according  to 
the  dictates  of  their  own  conscience."  The  Church 
of  England  had  its  followers,  as  did  also  Calvin 
and  Luther  ;  the  Quakers  and  the  Arminians  were 
sects  of  no  mean  influence,  and  many  of  the 
former   were    greatly  persecuted  ;    but,    nowhere, 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  335 

within  the  pages  of  history  is  there  recorded  a 
more  determined  and  defiant  resistance  to  all  en- 
croachments upon  their  religious  liberty  than 
among  the  Puritans,  than  in  the  Church  of  Scot- 
land ;  they  would  sacrifice  everything  except  their 
religious  convictions,  and  were  among  the  first  to 
leave  their  mother  country  to  find  a  place  where 
they  could  enjoy  their  religion  unmolested  and 
worship  God  without  fear. 

From  the  time  of  Henry  the  VIII  to  the  acces- 
sion of  the  Prince  of  Orange  the  various  fortunes  of 
Protestantism  were  precarious  and  doubtful ;  the 
English  reformation  strug-oded  hard  against  the  res- 

S  OS  o 

toration  of  Popery,  some  of  the  ablest  "  champions 
of  the  Church  of  England,  Cranmer,  Latimer, 
Hooper  and  Ridley  perished  at  the  stake  ;"  such 
was  the  strife  between  the  contending  factions  that 
all  moral  responsibility  was  deadened  and  paralyzed 
in  the  one  great  aim  of  temporal  power,  the  spirit- 
ual intents  of  the  church  were  subverted  to  the 
ambition  and  avarice  of  wicked  and  corrupt  kings ; 
the  most  powerful  and  the  ablest  works  of  scepti- 
cism and  infidelity  ever  brought  to  bear  against 
Christianity  were  spread  broadcast  to  the  reading 
public,  a  general  apathy  had  seized  the  church,  it 
was  submerged  in  the  deepest  corruption,  and  in 
the  eighteenth  century  this  great  chaos  and  moral 
darkness  seemed  to  defy  the  powers  of  human  faith  ; 
but  the  second  Reformation  came,  and  with  it,  the 
great  Apostle  of  Methodism,  and  with  him,  there 
came  another,  whose  name  is  so  closely  identified 
with  the  religious  history  of  this  country  that  a  re- 


336  The  Centennial  op 

ference  to  the  one  without  mentioning  the  other 
would  be  like  producing  the  play  of  Hamlet  with- 
out the  Prince  of  Denmark.  I  need  not  remind  you 
that  it  was  Whitfield — where  in  this  broad  land 
is  his  name  unknown,  and  upon  what  page  of  history 
is  written  a  richer  fame  ?  It  was  he  that  led  the 
masses  in  the  presence  of  armed  men  and  infuriated 
mobs,  it  was  he  that  caught  at  human  souls  upon 
the  street  corners  of  the  crowded  cities,  it  was  he 
that  turned  the  parks  of  pleasure  and  of  wicked  re- 
velry into  the  service  of  the  living  God,  it  was  he 
that  was  exiled  from  the  pulpits  of  the  churches, 
and  forced  to  inaugurate  that  great  system  of  "field 
jprreaching,"  and  with  the  mountain  for  his  pulpit 
and  the  clouds  for  the  drapery  of  his  temple,  he 
electrified  mankind  by  the  power  of  his  eloquence; 
through  England,  Germany  and  the  continents  of 
Europe  his  voice  was  heard,  seven  times  in  America 
he  preached  from  Maine  to  Georgia,  and  such  an 
impression  did  he  make  upon  the  public  mind  that 
wherever  lie  preached  thousands  flocked  to  hear 
him.  He  was  the  friend  of  Wesley  and  co-laborer 
in  his  great  revival  worTc;  their  friendship  began  at 
Oxford  in  the  "  Holy  Club,"  known  as  a  Methodist 
society  founded  by  Charles  Wesley,  and  lasted  until 
death,  save  the  exception  of  a  short  period  in  which 
they  became  estranged  in  consequence  of  differences 
of  opinion  respecting  the  doctrine  of  Armmicmism, 
but  happily  for  them  and  the  world  these  differ- 
ences were  shortly  overcome  by  force  of  christian 
love. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  337 

John  Wesley  was  born  at  Epworth,  the  17th  of 
June,  1703  ;  his  father  was  rector  of  the  Parish  at 
Epworth  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Church  of 
England.  The  denominational  name  of  Methodist 
had  been  frequently  applied  to  religious  parties  be- 
fore the  time  of  the  Wesley  s,  even  in  their  day, 
"high  Calvinistic  divines  bore  the  title  of  Meth- 
odist."  The  term  Methodist,  we  are  told,  was  ap- 
plied to  the  "Wesley s  by  a  fellow  student  in  jest, 
"and  Charles  was  the  first  of  the  family  who  re- 
ceived the  now  honored  title ;"  it  was  afterwards 
applied  to  the  "Holy  Club,"  and  subsequently  as- 
sumed by  the  denomination  which  bears  that  name 
to-day. 

The  travels,  life  and  character  of  Wesley  have 
long  since  become  a  part  of  the  history  of  the  world, 
both  hemispheres  are  filled  with  his  fame,  his  elo- 
quence and  piety  made  an  impression  upon  the  age 
in  which  he  lived  that  time  can  never  destroy,  and 
coming  generations  to  the  latest  posterity  will  do 
honor  to  his  sacred  memory;  lie  was  indebted  to 
his  christian  mother  for  his  early  religious  training, 
and  in  after  life  was  encouraged  in  his  great  revival 
work  by  her  sympathies,  counsel  and  prayers ;  his 
father  died  about  the  time  he  was  beginning  his 
ministry,  and  one  of  the  most  touching  and  beauti- 
ful incidents  in  the  life  of  Wesley  was  his  preach- 
ing to  great  congregations  in  the  graveyard  at 
Epworth,  while  standing  upon  the  tomb  of  his 
father.  Like  Whitfield,  he  had  been  denied  the 
churches,  and  humanity  was  the  gainer  by  it.  It  is 
not  my  desire  to  enter  into  anything  like  a  bio- 
43 


338  The  Centennial  of 

graphical  sketch  of  this  wonderful  man.  That  has 
long  since  been  done  by  abler  pens  than  mine.  Poe- 
try, song  and  art  have  all  contributed  to  perpetuate 
his  hallowed  memory;  but  that  is  not  all;  the 
Methodist  Church  claims  him  as  her  founder. 
What  greater  honor  than  this  can  any  man  have? 
If  human  ambition  can  find  a  place  of  rest,  or  if 
the  noblest  aspirations  of  the  human  soul  can  be 
satisfied  within  the  limits  of  their  own  creation, 
what  must  be  the  joyous  repose  of  the  sainted  Wes- 
ley as  he  beholds  Methodism  in  the  nineteenth  cen- 
tury. Under  that  providence  and  overruling  power 
which  holds  the  earth  on  its  axis  and  the  plauets  in 
their  spheres,  that  guides  the  lightnings  and  rides 
upon  the  wings  of  the  wind,  that  saved  the  founder 
of  Methodism  from  perils  by  fire,  and  from  perils 
by  sea,  from  perils  by  land  and  from  the  fury  of 
the  populace,  under  that  Providence.  What  a 
sublime  moment  for  time  and  eternity  immortal- 
izes the  name  of  Wesley  !  From  the  beginning  of 
the  eighteenth  century  to  the  present  time  the 
church  has  achieved  its  greatest  triumphs  ;  through- 
out the  whole  civilized  world,  to  the  remotest  parts 
of  earth,  the  missionaries  of  the  church  assert  its 
power,  and  proclaim  its  reign  ;  the  "flaming  Cross" 
that  hung  over  the  camps  of  the  Roman  army  at 
Mentz,  still  blazes  in  the  sky,  and  upon  every  con- 
tinent and  upon  every  sea  its  heavenly  light  guides 
men  God-ward.  Nowr,  to  what  extent  the  Metho- 
dist Church  has  contributed  to  the  conquests  of 
Christianity,  and  the  cause  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty,  let  its  records  show  ;  it  is  but  one  of  the 


Methodism  m  North  Carolina.  339 

corps  in  the  great  army  of  the  church,  and  Meth- 
odism in  North  Carolina  is  simply  a  division  of 
that  corps. 

The  history  of  the  Methodist  Church  in  North 
Carolina  begins  at  a  most  interesting  and  exciting 
period  ;  previous  to  the  introduction  of  Methodism 
in  our  midst  George  Fox  had  established  the  So- 
ciety of  Friends  j  the  Presbyterians,  the  Episco- 
palians and  the  Baptists  had  all  preceded  it,  but 
just  at  a  time  when  our  gallant  people  were  re- 
belling against  the  usurpations  of  the  Colonial  Gov- 
ernment the  star  of  Methodism  appeared  in  the  re- 
ligious horizon  ;  from  that  day  to  this  the  Metho- 
dist Church  has  rapidly  increased  in  members, 
wealth  and  influence,  until  its  membership  is  now 
the  largest  of  any  other  religious  denomination  ;  it 
has  been  a  friend  of  the  poor,  a  patron  of  education, 
and  ally  of  liberty,  and  a  conservator  of  public 
morals  ;  its  death-roll  contains  the  names  of  men 
whose  virtues,  intelligence  and  patriotism  are  a 
glory  to  the  church  and  an  honor  to  the  State, 
and  among  those  now  living  to  advance  the  inter- 
ests of  Methodism  and  the  cause  of  Christianity  are 
some  of  the  most  eloquent,  learned  and  pious  men 
of  this  age  ;  and,  when  the  history  of  North  Caro- 
lina shall  come  to  be  written,  and  the  names  of  the 
pioneers  of  Methodism  and  their  illustrious  de- 
scendants shall  be  given,  and  the  story  of  their 
toils  and  labors  and  great  achievements  told,  then 
the  world  and  posterity  will  know  to  what  extent 
they  contributed  to  the  advancement  of  Christianity 
and  the  establishment  of  civil  and  religious  liberty 


340  The  Centennial  of 

in  our  midst.  In  the  foregoing  remarks  we  have 
endeavored  to  review  in  a  hurried  and  cursory 
manner  the  triumphs  and  struggles  of  the  church, 
and  now,  when  we  come  to  contemplate  its  ulti- 
mate destiny,  we  are  lost  in  the  magnitude  of  the 
thought;  imagination  fails  us,  and  language  is  too 
poor  and  inadequate  ;  all  temporal  institutions 
have  their  limits,  all  human  achievements  can  be 
measured,  but  who  can  circumscribe  the  destiny  of 
the  church,  or  foretell  its  ultimate  glory  !  You  may 
imagine  an  universe  of  suns,  each  brighter  than 
the  other,  burning  with  ever-increasing  and  per- 
petual splendor,  until  stars  and  planets,  and  all  ex- 
isting worlds  throughout  universal  space  shall  be 
swallowed  up  in  one  great  sea  of  light,  yet,  all  this 
magnificent  brightness  will  be  as  the  flickering  of 
a  taper,  in  comparison  with  the  transcendent 
brightness  and  celestial  glory  of  the  church  trium- 
phant at  the  last  day  ;  and,  when  the  resurrection 
trump  shall  sound,  and  the  great  pendulum  of  time 
shall  stop,  when  the  splendor  of  empires  and  the 
grandeur  of  the  material  world  shall  perish,  and  all 
human  ambition,  and  human  power  and  dominion 
shall  be  out  off  in  eternal  night,  then  will  the 
church  in  triumph  rise  above  "  the  wreck  of  mat- 
ter and  crush  of  worlds''  to  live  and  reign  through- 
out the  eternity  of  God. 

II.  Civil  government  is  a  term  applied  to  polit- 
ical communities  and  is  used  in  contradistinction  to 
the  affairs  of  church  ;  it  has  no  connection  with 
spiritual  affairs  except  in  so  far  as  an  enlightened 
christian  statesmanship  should  make  it  subservient 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  341 

to  the  advancement  of  religion,  the  elevation  of 
societ}7,  and  the  welfare  of  mankind.  It  is  a  term 
used  principally  to  define  the  conduct  and  control 
of  bodies  politic,  the  management  and  direction  of 
human  government,  and  is  applied  to  national  and 
state  affairs. 

■  We  do  not  propose  to  detain  you  with  a  review 
or  history  of  the  various  forms  of  government  known 
to  the  world.  We  are  content  at  this  time  to  notice 
briefly  the  character  of  the  government  under  which 
we  live  in  the  light  of  a  sound  philosophy,  and  to 
point  out  as  well  as  we  may  what  we  conceive  to  be 
the  principal  elements  of  national  greatness. 

In  presenting  the  line  of  thought  which  suggests 
itself  this  morning,  I  beg  to  disclaim  any  intention 
whatever  to  criticise  or  censure  those  who  may 
differ  with  me  respecting  the  relative  rights  of  the 
government  and  the  citizen,  the  obligations  of  the 
one  to  the  other,  for  in  all  nationalities  and  among 
all  people  you  will  find  diversities  of  opinion  among 
men,  in  religion,  in  politics,  in  law,  in  the  science 
of  government,  and  upon  every  conceivable  sub- 
ject within  the  range  of  human  thought,  and  every 
man,  whether  he  be  high  or  low,  rich  or  poor,  is 
entitled  to  a  full,  free  and  independent  exercise  and 
expression  of  his  honest  convictions,  whether  they 
coincide  with  those  entertained  by  us  or  not.  When- 
ever the  liberty  of  conscience  and  an  independent 
exercise  and  expression  of  personal  and  individual 
opinion  are  restrained  and  circumscribed  by  gov- 
ernmental interference,  at  that  moment  the  liberty 
of  the  citizen  becomes  endangered  and  the  institu- 


342  The  Centennial  of 

tions  of  our  country  become  imperilled.  Our  gov- 
ernment is  founded  upon  the  spirit  of  independence, 
upon  civil  and  religious  liberty,  and  herein  lies  the 
secret  of  its  great  preferment.  In  the  divine  econ- 
omy it  has  been  deemed  necessary  for  the  happi- 
ness and  protection  of  man  for  him  to  be  governed 
and  controlled  by  some  higher  power  than  his  own 
will,  and  everything  pertaining  to  the  divine  ad- 
ministration is  directed  by  some  well  appointed 
law,  the  violation  of  which  results  in  the  most  dire- 
ful consequences.  Now,  in  all  human  governments 
there  is  a  similar  provision,  under  which  we  are 
compelled  to  surrender  some  of  our  natural  rights 
in  order  that  the  good  of  society,  the  preservation 
of  property  and  the  security  of  human  life  may  be 
protected  and  advanced.  And  by  thus  parting  with 
some  of  our  privileges  as  men  we  derive  greater 
benefits  as  citizens. 

In  the  multitudinous  forms  of  government  chron- 
icled in  the  history  of  the  past,  there  is  not  one, 
perhaps,  that  would  give  entire  satisfaction  to  every 
man  living  under  it.  Some  would  prefer  Caesar, 
whilst  others  would  follow  the  flag  of  Brutus. 
Some  would  prefer  monarchies,  whilst  others  would 
attach  themselves  to  republics  ;  but  in  no  form  of 
government  known  to  human  experience  is  there 
a  more  dangerous  and  despotic  power  than  that 
which  is  called  the  Dictatorial,  this  one-man  power. 
In  it  there  is  little  safety  to  the  subject ;  there  is 
none  of  that  community  of  interest,  that  relative 
division  of  rights  which  always  tend  to  enlist  the 
sympathies  and  affections  of  the  governed  in  behalf 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  343 

of  the  government.  There  is  none  of  that  enjoy- 
ment of  the  fruits  of  labor,  that  peace  and  tran- 
quility which  we  find  in  those  forms  of  government 
that  secure  to  the  citizen  the  largest  liberty  consis- 
tent with  the  national  welfare. 

The    government  which  Americans    have    been 
taught  to  love  is  Republican  inform,  a  government 
deriving  all  its  rights  and  powers  from  the  people, 
a  government  made  by  the  people  and  for  the  peo- 
ple, and  in  which  government  all   sovereignty  is  of 
the  people ;  its  public  functionaries  are  intended  to 
be  the  servants  of  the   people,   not  their  masters. 
Every  power  given  to  the  government  by  the  people 
is  defined  and  clearly  expressed  in  the  Constitution, 
and  whatever  power  there  is,  not  delegated  in  that 
Constitution,  remains  with,  and  belongs  to  the  peo- 
ple.    There  is  not  a  public  servant  of  this  govern- 
ment whose  powers  and  duties  are  not  plainly  pre- 
scribed; they  are  as  much  within  the  restraints  of 
law  as  the  humblest  citizen,  and  wherever  such  ser- 
vant, be  he  high  or  low,  in  defiance  of  law  under- 
takes to  usurp  and  exercise  powers  and  authority 
not  given   to  him   in    the  Constitution  and  by  the 
laws  of  his  country,  he  should  be  made  to  know  and 
to  feel  that  the  people  rule  and  that  petty  despotism 
cannot  and  will  not  be  tolerated  under  American 
law;  they  should  be  made  to  feel  and  to  know  that 
nothing  short  of  a  high  sense  of  honor  and  fidelity 
to  public  trusts,  an  elevated  spirit  of  patriotism  such 
as  that  which  characterized  the  first  rulers  of  this 
Republic,  can  satisfy  the  demands  of  an  honest  pub- 
lic sentiment. 


344  The  Centennial  of 

There  are  public  officials  connected  with  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  affairs  of  this  great  American 
Republic  to-day,  who  act  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
leave  one  in  doubt  whether  they  are  a  part  of  the 
government  or  the  government  is  a  part  of  them, 
whilst  there  are  others  who  are  more  pliant  tools  in 
the  hands  of  party  despotism,  than  were  the  obse- 
queous  officers  of  the  Star  Chamber,  under  the  usurp- 
ations'of  Charles  the  First,  and,  there  are  still  oth- 
ers, who  seem  to  be  utterly  oblivious  to  everything 
pertaining  to  the  public  welfare  in  their  greed  of 
gain  and  personal  emolument,  until,  by  their  avarice 
and  utter  contempt  of  law  they  have  become  a  re- 
proach and  disgrace  to  the  nation,  and  brought 
shame  and  dishonor  upon  the  American  name  at 
home  and  abroad.  I  care  not  to  what  party  a  man 
may  belong,  or  howsoever  unexceptionable  may 
have  been  his  political  antecedents,  I  care  not  how 
exalted  may  be  his  position  or  how  glorious  bis  re- 
cord, yet,  at  the  very  moment  that  man  suffers  him- 
self to  be  reduced  from  the  fearless  and  faithful  per- 
formance of  every  duty  devolving  upon  him  by  vir- 
tue of  his  office,  that  moment  he  should  be  utterly 
repudiated  by  the  honest  people  of  his  government, 
and  compelled  to  give  up  his  trust;  he  should  be 
put  under  such  condemnation  and  scorn  as  to  warn 
his  successors  of  the  dangers  and  disastrous  con- 
sequences which  are  certain  to  follow  him,  who  be- 
trays the  confidence  of  those  by  whose  grace  he  was 
honored  with  a  high  and  responsible  position  in 
the  administration  of  the  affairs  of  the  government. 
I  declare  to  you  to-day,   and  history  will  bear  me 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  345 

■out,  that  the  moment  any  party  undertakes  to  man- 
age and  direct  public  affairs  for  the  sole  purpose  of 
securing  party  supremacy  and  party  perpetuity, 
that  moment  public  virtue  and  official  honesty  be- 
come corrupted,  and  the  liberties  of  the  people  be- 
come endangered;  there  is  human  nature  in  poli- 
tics, and  human  nature  needs  but  little  encourage- 
ment and  license  to  subvert  the  most  sacred  trusts 
into  mere  channels  of  personal  agrandizement," 
office  is  regarded  as  &  perquisite,  and  not  as  &  trust, 
and  the  result  is,  wide  spread  demoralization  and 
official  dishonesty.  Our  country  is  great,  grand 
and  glorious,  but  in  the  present  administration  of 
its  affairs  we  are  sadly  in  need  of  reform,  we 
need  economy,  we  need  honesty,  we  sorely  need 
patriotism,  we  need  independence  of  national  pets, 
we  need  men  and  rulersh'igh  above  the  contaminat- 
ing touch  of  gold  and  silver,  christian  men  who 
appreciate  the  responsibilities  of  place  and  power, 
in  the  fear  of  God,  and  in  the  light  of  truth,  honor 
and  justice. 

The  three  principal  elements  of  a  nation's  great- 
ness are  found  in  the  agricultural,  manufacturing 
and  educational  interests,  and  upon  these  depend 
all  other  industries,  upon  these  depend  the  happi- 
ness and  prosperity  of  the  people,  they  are  the  vital 
part  of  the  nation's  life,  the  true  philosophy  of  em- 
pire and  of  power,  and  the  perfection  of  these 
together  with  an  elevated  patriotism  influencing 
and  controlling  the  legislative,  executive  and  judi- 
cial departments  of  the  government,  each  separate 
and  distinct  performing  its  peculiar  and  delicate 
44 


346  The  Centennial  of 

functions  within  the  prescriptions  of  the  Constitu- 
tion, and  in  pursuance  of  law,  make  up  the  majesty 
and  glory  of  Republican  government. 

I  shall  not  attempt  any  discussion  of  the  two 
first,  but  will  pass  at  once  to  notice  the  third,  that 
of  education,  as  I  deem  this  not  only  the  most  im- 
portant element  in  a  nation's  greatness,  but  the 
most  appropriate  on  this  occasion. 

From  the  earliest  ages  learning  and  the  fine  arts 
have  been  patronized  by  the  Greeks,  and  during 
all  the  stages  of  Grecian  history,  with  but  few  ex- 
ceptions, they  have  been  a  people  justly  distin- 
guished for  superior  taste  and  renowned  for  their 
intellectual  and  scientific  accomplishments.  Plato, 
Aristotle,  Euclid,  Theocritus  and  Demosthenes  were 
some  of  the  men  that  made  her  science,  philosophy, 
poetry  and  art  the  pride  and  gloiw  of  the  intellect- 
ual world.  A.S  remotely  as  the  ancient  Egyptians, 
letters  and  science  were  much  encouraged  and  re- 
garded by  the  rulers  of  that  people  as  essential  to 
their  national  greatness.  Look  at  their  pyramids 
and  palaces,  the  walls  of  some  of  which  have  with- 
stood the  shock  of  earthquakes,  the  storms  of  battle, 
and  the  ravages  of  more  than  three  thousand  years. 
Science,  then  in  its  infancy,  was  rocked  in  the 
cradle  of  the  Egyptian  ;  their  mummies,  embalmed 
thousands  of  years  ago,  are  now  exhibited  in  the 
museums  of  the  world  as  objects  of  great  wonder, 
while  their  great  and  imposing  structures  of  archi. 
tecture  are  models  for  the  royal  houses  of  earth. 
In  the  early  days  of  the  world's  history  education 
was  not  general,   books  and   teachers  were  few  in 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  347 

number  and  of  enormous  expense  ;  intellectual  pur. 
suits  were  confined  to  the  nobility  and  rich.  Edu- 
cation was  patrician  in  its  character  and  seldomly 
extended  to  the  poor.  At  that  time  the  dawn  of 
christian  civilization  had  not  burst  upon  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  world  ;  the  philosophy  of  free  govern- 
ment had  not  been  taught  in  their  schools,  and  civil 
and  religious  libert}^  had  not  emerged  from  the 
darkness  and  clouds  of  paganism. 

In  every  department  of  science  and  government 
the  educated  mind  will  prevail.  In  every  age  and 
in  every  clime  mind  conquers  matter,  thought  an- 
nihilates distance,  and  invention  utilizes  the  ele- 
ments and  makes  them  subservient  to  human  hap- 
piness. Science  embowels  the  earth  and  gives  its 
hid  treasures  in  rich  profusion  for  the  adornment 
of  our  persons  and  the  comfort  of  our  homes  ;  it 
plows  the  seas  with  ships,  chains  the  lightning  and 
binds  continents  together  with  links  of  iron.  A 
celebrated  writer  has  beautifully  said,  "  Even  hu- 
man knowledge  is  permitted  to  approximate  in 
some  degree  and  on  certain  occasions  to  that  of  the 
Deity,  its  pure  and  primary  source,  and  this  assimi- 
lation is  never  more  conspicuous  than  when  it  con- 
verts evil  into  the  means  of  producing  its  opposite 
good!  What,  for  instance,  appears  at  first  sight 
to  be  so  insurmountable  a  barrier  to  the  intercourse 
of  nations  as  the  ocean  ;  but  science  has  converted 
it  into  the  best  and  most  expeditious  means  by 
which  they  may  supply  their  mutual  wants  and 
carry  on  their  most  intimate  communications. 
What  so  violent  as  steam  ?  and  so  destructive  as 


348  The  Centennial  of 

fire  ?  What  so  uncertain  as  the  wind  and  so  un- 
controllable as  the  wave?  Yet  art  has  rendered 
these  unmanageable  things  instrumental  and  sub- 
sidiary to  the  necessities,  the  comforts  and  even  the 
elegancies  of  life.  What  so  hard,  so  cold,  and  so 
insensible  as  marble  ?  Yet  the  sculptor  can  warm 
it  into  life  and  bid  it  breathe  an  eternity  of  love. 
What  so  variable  as  color?  so  swift  as  light?  or  so 
empty  as  shade?  Yet  the  pencil  of  a  Raphael  can 
give  these  fleeting  things  both  a  body  and  a  soul, 
can  confer  upon  them  an  imperishable  vigor,  a 
beauty  that  increases  with  age,  and  which  must 
continue  to  captivate  generations. 

In  short,  wisdom  can  draw  expedient  from  obsta- 
cle, invention  from  difficulty,  remedy  from  poison. 
In  her  hands  all  things  become  beautiful  by  adapt- 
ment ;  subservient  by  their  use ;  and  salutary  by 
their  application."  An  ignorant  people  are  always 
easily  governed,  but  when  you  invest  a  man's  mind 
with  the  livery  of  heaven — knowledge — you  make 
him  God-like,  and  knowing  his  rights  he  will  dare 
maintain  them.  We  have  institutions  of  learning  for 
the  instruction  of  our  young  men  in  the  science  of 
war,  supported  at  the  expense  of  the  government ;  we 
have  also  our  naval  academies  where  the  science  of 
navigation  is  taught ;  all  this  is  right  and  proper  and 
necessary  for  our  national  protection ;  but,  how 
grand,  how  great  and  how  happy  would  be  our  na- 
tion if  the  thousands  and  hundreds  of  thousands  of 
our  people,  and  especially  our  young  men,  were  pro- 
vided with  government  aid  in  procuring  an  educa- 
tion. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  349 

1  use  the  term  government  in  this  connection  as 
applied  to  the  States,  I  do  not  belong  to  that  class 
of  persons  who  yield  to  the  doctrine  of  centralized 
power  in  the  Federal  government,  I  am  well  aware 
of  the  fact  that  there  is  disposition  on   the  part  of 
many  honest  and  well  meaning  citizens  to  advance 
and  enforce  this  idea  of  consolidation,  to  invest  the 
general  government  with  the  supreme  control   and 
exercise  of  all  those  rights   and   franchises   which 
formerly  and  do  noio  under  any  aspect  of  the  Con- 
stitution    belong  exclusively    and   entirely  to    the 
States,  in  their  several  sovereign  capacities,  such  as 
the  right   to  regulate   and  control  its  own  internal 
interests   and   government,  foster  public  improve- 
ments, authorize  banking,  to  organize  and  maintain 
at  the  public  expense  a  school  system,  arm  and  equip 
amihtia,  and  in  tact  to  do  anything  of  right  which 
belonged  to  them   in    their    original   independent 
sovereignties,  excepting  always,   those   powers    and 
franchises   with   which  they  invested  the  Federal 
government  in  express  words  and  terms  when  the 
Constitution  was  formed  and  the  Union  established  ■ 
because,  of  this,  however,  it  is  no  less  the  duty  of 
the  general  government  to  appropriate  and  distrib- 
ute among  the  States  the  public  revenue  for  the  es- 
tablishment of  schools  and  thegeneral  education  of 
the  people.    How  incalculably  beneficial  would  now 
be  the  results  if  the   broad  acres  of  the  public  do- 
main which  have  been  solavishingly  bestowed  upon 
swindling  railroad  corporations,  had  been  given  to 
the  cause  of  education  in  America!     The  govern- 
nient  owes  it  to  every  citizen  to  provide  for  his  edu- 


•850  The  Centennial  of 

cation,  and  especially  to  those  who  in  the  providence 
of  God  are  dependent  upon  its  munificence  for  in- 
struction. 

The  cause  of  good  government,  the  cause  of  Christ- 
ianity, the  cause  of  civil  and  religious  liberty,  the 
cause  of  humanity,  itself  appeals  to  us  to-day  from 
the  shores  of  both  oceans,  and  the  remotest  parts  of 
our  broad  laud  in  behalf  of  the  cause  of  education  ; 
let  it  not  appeal  in  vain,  because,  the  Bible  will 
tell  you.  history  will  tell  you,  and  your  own  experi- 
ence and  observation  will  tell  you  that  if  you  would 
make  your  nation  mighty  in  war,  grand  in  peace  and 
great  in  history,  encourage  with  a  liberal  hand  the 
arts  and  the  sciences  and  the  promotion  of  letters. 

III.  The  relations  existing  between  Church  and 
State  at  the  present  time  throughout  Christendom 
present  a  marked  contrast  to  that  of  the  earlier 
days  of  the  world's  history. 

The  public  mind,  more  now  than  ever,  is  being 
brought  to  view  the  subject  of  church  government 
in  a  more  liberal  and  elevated  spirit,  and  many  of 
the  ablest  writers  of  the  age,  who  have  given  man}'' 
years  of  study  and  thought  to  the  question,  without 
reserve  declare  that  church  affairs  should  not  be 
mixed  up  in  any  manner  with  or  subject  to  the 
control  and  direction  of  civil  administrations  There 
are  three  classifications  of  a  general  character  re- 
specting the  relations  of  Church  and  State  : 

1.  The  Jews  held  that  their  rulers  acted  under 
the  direction  and  influence  of  divine  appointment 
and  inspiration,  and  regarded  their  laws  and  insti- 
tutions of  divine  origin.     There  was  little  or  no 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  351 

distinction  between  the  administration  of  the  laws 
of  the  Church  and  the  State,  but  there  was  a  dif- 
ference to  some  extent  between  the  division  of  civil 
and  religious  functions  ;  yet  "  the  king  was  as  sacred 
as  the  priest,  and  religion,  true  or  false,  pervaded 
every  department  of  government." 

Christ  evidently  regarded  Church  and  State  as 
two  separate  and  distinct  powers,  when  he  said 
"render  therefore  unto  Caesar  the  things  which  are 
Caesar's,  and  unto  God  the  things  that  are   God's." 

The  Church  of  Rome  claims  that  the  State  is 
subordinate  to  the  church,  and  maintains  the  right, 
as  of  divine  authority,  of  preeminent  power  over 
the  State ;  it  is  true  the  doctrine  of  Papal  sover- 
eignty is  well  nigh  exploded,  and  that  church  finds 
itself  utterly  powerless  to  enforce  its  principles; 
yet  whatever  else  may  be  said  of  the  Church  of 
Rome,  it  certainly  has  exhibited  through  a  long 
series  of  disasters  a  most  splendid  consistency. 

2.  The  second  view  or  theory  is  that  which  is 
maintained  in  England,  where  the  church  is  sup- 
ported by  the  direct  aid  of  the  government ;  the 
public  revenue  is  as  much  applied  to  the  main- 
tenance and  support  of  the  Established  Church,  as 
it  is  to  the  equipment  of  the  army,  the  furnish- 
ment  of  the  navy,  the  expenses  of  its  public 
schools,  or  any  other  secular  interest  of  the  govern- 
ment, and  it  matters  little  whether  the  subjects  of 
Great  Britain  dissent  from  the  creed  of  the  Estab- 
lished Church  or  not,  yet  they  are,  nevertheless, 
compelled  to  contribute  their  part  of  the  necessary 
taxes  to  support  it. 


352  The  Centennial  of 

3.  The  third  general  view  or  theory  is  that  there 
should  be  the  utmost  freedom  and  independence 
existing;  between  Church  and  State  governments. 
Neither  should  encroach  upon  the  rights  and  powers 
of  the  other,  and  they  should  forever  be  kept  sepa- 
rate and  distinct.  This  is  the  position  maintained 
by  the  Protestant  denominations  in  the  United 
States,  and  tin's  is  the  position  which  should  be  re- 
cognized throughout  christian  civilization. 

We  have  already  devoted  considerable  time  to 
the  subject  of  Church  and  State  separately,  with- 
out the  connection  of  the  one  with  the  other.  We 
shall  confine  ourselves  principally  and  briefly  now 
to  the  effects  which  have  been  produced  in  America 
by  a  strict  adherence  on  the  part  of  our  govern- 
ment to  the  policy  of  non-interference  in  church 
matters  and  a  recognition  by  law  of  religious  inde- 
pendence throughout  its  borders.  Human  legisla- 
tion can  never  reach  the  human  soul;  there  must 
be  a  higher  power  than  earth  can  give  to  operate 
upon  and  control  the  conscience  and  religion  of  a 
man. 

The  government  of  the  United  States  could  not 
possibly  make  a  greater  blunder,  or  undertake  a 
policy  which  would  bring  greater  disaster  upon  the 
country  than  to  interfere  in  any  manner  whatever 
with  the  freest,  fullest  and  most  untrammelled  ex- 
ercise of  all  the  privileges,  powers  and  franchises 
which  belong  to  the  religious  denominations  of 
this  country.  The  church  should  be  unfettered  in 
its  peculiar  sphere,  and  all  its  interests  should  be 
under  the  protection,  not  under  the  control  of  the 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  353 

civil  government,  and  as  far  removed  from  all 
church  interference  as  are  the  Poles  from  each 
•other  should  be  the  civil  government. 

It  is  a  fact  in  history  that  when  a  church  becomes 
powerful  and  rich,  and  when  its  endorsement  is  a 
highway  to  honor  and  emolument,  there  will  be 
found  numbers  of  men  who  attach  themselves  to  it, 
and  to  all  outward  appearances  surpass  the  most 
pious  and  zealous  of*  its  members  in  every  rite  and 
ceremony  pertaining  to  the  church  economy,  but 
sooner  or  later  they  are  discovered  to  be  no  better 
than  other  men,  and  their  real  characters  are  un- 
cloaked at  the  expense  of  the  church ;  and  to  such 
an  experience  has  every  church  come. 

"  Christianity  can  never  long  maintain  its  own 
peculiar  character  where  it  does  not  lay  deep  hold 
of  the  intellectual  and  moral  habits  of  a  people, 
and  where  it  does  not,  while  it  brings  its  own  pecu- 
liar character  with  it,  raise  up  also  and  foster  the 
seeds  of  all  human  civilization. "  The  advance- 
ment of  the  cause  of  Christianity  and  the  dissemi- 
nation of  the  gospel  since  the  beginning  of  the 
christian  era  has  nowhere  met  with  more  encour- 
agement and  less  opposition  than  in  the  United 
States.  Christianity  and  civil  liberty  have  gone 
hand  in  hand,  each  contributing  to  the  promo- 
tion of  the  other.  The  chief  cause  of  American 
progress  and  development,  its  high  state  of  civil- 
ization, and  its  proficiency  in  the  arts  and  sciences 
may  be  justly  attributed  to  the  absolute  separa- 
tion and  independence  of  Church  and  State.  This 
is  the  corner-stone  of  its  greatness.  How  could 
45 


H54  The  Centennial  of 

it  be  otherwise  when  we  remember  that  the  early 
settlers  fled  from  the  religious  persecutions  of  their 
own  country  to  find  religious  and  civil  freedom 
in  ours,  and  they  are  the  men  who  broke  the  chains 
that  bound  this  hemisphere  to  British  despotism, 
and  secured  to  themselves  and  to  their  posterity  the 
blessings  which  we  enjoy. 

"  It  was   always   a  notion   near  the  heart  of  the 
Roman   statesman,    that  the  old  political  glory  of 
the  Roman  Empire   was   closely  dependent  on  the 
old  State  religion,  and  that  the  former  could  never 
be    restored   without   the   latter.''     Not  so  in  free 
America,  but  let   the   conviction  take  hold   of  the 
mind  and    heart  of  every    American  citizen,    and 
there  he   forever  fixed,  that   the  political  glory  of 
this  great   republic;  does  not  depend  upon  the  su- 
premacy of  any  particular  religious  denomination, 
or  upon  a  consolidated  church  under  the  protection 
and  patronage  of  the  government,  but  upon   equal 
rights   and    privileges  conferred  by    law  upon    all 
christian  churches  alike,  and  the   absolute  and  per- 
petual independence  of  each  in  its  particular  sphere. 
Upon  the  entire  separation  of  Church  and  State  in 
a  political  sense  rests  the    welfare  and  future  pros- 
perity of  this  country.     And  now,    while   we  con- 
template the   moral  power  of  the  church   and  the 
political  magnificence    of  our   government,  let   us 
not  forget  that  our  safety  in  each  depends  upon  an 
honest,  faithful,  religious  and  patriotic  discharge  of 
every  duty   which  devolves  upon   us  by   virtue  of 
our  connection  with   the   one  or  allegiance  to  the 
other. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  355 

And  now  in  this  Centennial  year  of  our  national 
independence,  when  the  great  Powers  of  earth  are 
doing  honor  to  the  glory  of  American  institutions 
and  the  splendid  achievements  of  our  free  Re- 
public, let  our  people  from  the  North  and  from  the 
South,  from  the  East  and  from  the  West,  meet  to- 
gether in  a  spirit  of  reconciliation,  fraternal  love 
and  christian  patriotism,  and,  burying  the  bitter 
animosities  of  the  past  in  the  graves  of  our  common 
dead,  and  looking  only  to  the  future  for  higher 
possibilities  and  brighter  glories,  let  us  strike  hands 
in  the  bonds  of  union  under  our  country's  flag  and 
declare  that  throughout  our  borders,  now,  hence- 
forth and  forever,  peace,  lasting,  perpetual  peace, 
shall  reign  supreme. 

Bishop  McTyeire  made  a  most  capital  impromptu 
speech.  Among  other  good  things  he  said  in  sub- 
stance : 

"  North  Carolina  is  regarded,  among  the  South- 
ern States,  as  "the  land  of  steady  habits."  Not 
fast,  not  boastful  of  anything  in  character  or  history, 
she  has  not  resented  being  called  by  her  favorite 
chronicler,  the  Rip  Van  Winkle  of  the  Union.  But 
if  she  is  slow,  the  Old  North  State  .manages  to  be 
before-hand  in  whatever  good  thing  is  going  on.  If 
she  sleeps,  she  wakes  up  in  time  to  get  ahead  of  other 
people.  Among  the  settled  points  in  history  are 
these  :  The  first  English  colony  was  planted  on  her 
shores  years  before  Jamestown.  Her  Mecklenburg 
Declaration  of  Independence  antedated  the  4th 
July,  1776,  by  a  twelvemonth.     The  battle  of  Ala- 


35 6  The  Centennial  of 

mance  was  fought  by  her  militia,  in  the  interest  of 
the  Revolution,  a  good  while  before  Concord  and 
Lexington  and  Bunker  Hill  came  off.  And.  true  to 
her  traditions,  she  has  just  celebrated — ahead  of 
everybody  else — the  Centennial. 

Though  her  sons  are  not  loud  on  their  nativity, 
as  some  others  are,  I  have  noticed  among  the  best 
class  of  them,  wherever  found,  a  quiet  satisfaction 
that  they  are  North  Carolinians. 

It  cannot  have  escaped  the  observation  of  those 
who  travel  much  through  the  South  and  South-west, 
iiow  largely  Methodism,  in  her  pulpit  and  member- 
ship, is  indebted  to  North  Carolina  tor  the  best  ma- 
terial. What  stanch  re-enforcements  has  she  sent 
forth  t>>  bench  and  bar.  to  medical,  mercantile,  and 
agricultural  classes  in  other  States !" 

Rev.  J.  A.  Boone  presented  the  following  reso- 
lutions, which  were  unanimously  adopted,  viz  : 

Whereas.  In  obedience  to  resolutions  passed  by  the 
North  Carolina  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  South,  at  its  late  session  held  in  the  city  of  Wil- 
mington, Xorth  Carolina,  a  grand  celebration  of  the  Cen- 
tennial of  Methodism  in  the  State  of  Xorth  Carolina,  has 
been  held  in  the  city  of  Raleigh,  and  during  these  Cen- 
tennial exercises  much  valuable  homolitical  and  historical 
truth  has  been  brought  to  light,  and 

Whekeas.  It  is  needful  that  these  truths  should  be  suit- 
ably preserved,  for  the  encouragement  and  instruction  of 
future  generations,  and  for  the  defense  and  propagation  of 
Methodism:  therefore,  be  it 

Resohed,  1st.  That  the  Bishops  and  brethren,  who  have 
delivered  the  various  addresses  on  the  occasions  of  these 
Centennial  exercises,  and  the  unread  address  of  Rev.  W.  M. 
Robey,  President  of  Davenport  Female  College,  be  and  are 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  357 

hereby  earnestly  and  respectfully  requested  to  furnish  the 
manuscripts  of  their  several  addresses  to  the  Committee  of 
Arrangements,  and  that  they,  the  said  committee,  proceed, 
at  the  earliest  possible  day,  to  publish  the  same  in  book 
form. 

Resolved,  Id.  That  as  the  Raleigh  Christian  Advocate  has, 
and  does  now,  hold  an  important  relation  to  North  Caro- 
lina Methodism,  the  Rev.  James  B,  Bobbitt  is  hereby  earn- 
estly requested  to  prepare  a  sketch  of  the  Advocate's  history, 
and  its  relation  to  North  Carolina  Methodism,  and  that  the 
same  be  published  in  connection  with  the  various  addresses 
herein  referred  to. 

Resolved,  3d.  That  all  profits  arising  from  the  publication 
and  sale  of  the  said  anticipated  volume  shall  be  applied  to 
the  building  of  a  Metropolitan  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
South,  in  the  city  of  Raleigh. 

(Signed,)     Thomas  A,  Boone. 

Bishop  Doggett  was  called  out,  and  made  a  stir- 
ring speech. 

The  choir  sung.  Strong  men  wept.  God  was  in 
the  midst  of  his  people. 

Dr.  Burkbead  made  announcements. 

Bishop  Doggett  pronounced  the  benediction. 

evening  session. 

March  25,  1870. 

Metropolitan  Hall,  7£  o'clock  P.  M.,  Rev.  Wil- 
liam H.  Bobbitt,    Vice-President,  in  the  chair. 

Religious  services  conducted  by  Rev.  J.  A.  Cun- 
niggini. 

The  chairman  introduced  Rev.  W.  S.  Black,  Pre- 
siding Elder  of  the  Wilmington  District,  who  ad- 
dressed the  audience.     Subject : 


358  The  Centennial  of 

"  methodism — its  itinerant   plan  of  operations." 

Mr.  Black  said  : 

Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  : 

The  remarkable  circumstances  in  which  Meth- 
odism, as  a  new  and  powerful  type  of  Christianity, 
took  its  rise,  was,  doubtless,  the  cause  of  the  adop- 
tion of  the  itinerant  system  by  Mr.  Wesley.  His 
preaching,  and  that  of  his  co-adjutors,  had  roused  a 
slumbering  nation.  "Societies"  were  formed  in 
every  part  of  the  kingdom,  and  to  meet  the  wants 
of  these  societies,  and  carry  on  the  work  which  had 
been  so  wonderfully  begun,  lay-preaching  was  in- 
troduced. Thomas  Maxfield  was  the  first  lay- 
preacher,  and  Mr.  Wesley  speaks  of  him  as  "a  son 
in  the  gospel."  "  Soon  afterwards,"  says  Mr. 
Wesley,  "there  came  a  second,  Thomas  Richards, 
and  then  a  third,  Thomas  Westceil."  These  were 
followed  by  many  others,  men  "full  of  faith  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,"  who  professed  to  be  called  of  God 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  They  had  ''  gifts, 
grace,  and  usefulness,"  satisfactory  evidences  to  Mr. 
Wesley  that  they  were  not  mistaken. 

The  remark  of  Mrs,  Susanna  Wesley  to  her  son, 
John,  concerning  Thomas  Maxfield,  was  equally 
true  of  all  the  rest.  "John,  take  care  what  you  do 
with  respect  to  that  young  man,  for  he  is  as  surely 
called  of  God  to  preach,  as  you  are."  Convinced 
of  this,  Mr.  Wesley  gladly  accepted  them  as  help- 
ers, "  called  of  God,  though  not  ordained  by  men, 
to  assist  in  spreading  holiness  through  the  land." 


^*~^-^  JL-^. 


/*?:  v^(f££^^z 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  359 

The  necessities  of  the  times,  the  connectional  union 
of  the  societies,  and   the  desire  to  give  to  all   the 
benefits  of  a  varied  ministry,  led  to  the  establish- 
ment of  the  itinerant  plan.     Mr.  Wesley  had  no 
"theory  "  of  ministerial  itinerancy  when  he  began 
his  great  work  ;  but  he  died,  believing  in  it  as  the 
apostolic  plan  for  the  evangelization  of  the  world. 
This  plan  has  the  sanction  of  the  highest  scriptural 
examples.     The  divine  founder  of  Christianity  was, 
himself,  an  itinerant,  and  from  the  beginning  to  the 
end  of  his  ministry,  "He  went  about  doing  good.'1 
"And   Jesus   went   about  all    Galilee,   teaching  in 
their  synagogues,  and  preaching  the  gospel  of  the 
kingdom  of  God."  While  in  Galilee,  "they  crowded 
upon  Him  with  the  diseased  and  those  that  were 
possessed  with   devils,  and    in  the  morning,  rising 
up  a  great  while  before  day,  He  went  out  and  de- 
parted  into    a  solitary    place,    and    there    prayed. 
Simon,  and  they  that  were  with  him,  followed  after 
Him.     And   when   they  had  found  Him,  they  said 
unto  Him,  all  men  seek  for  Thee.   And  He  said  unto 
them,   let  us  go   into   the   next  towns,  that  I  may 
preach  there    also,  for    therefore   came   I  forth.''7 
"And  he  preached  in  their  synagogues  throughout 
all  Galilee.''''    But  He  did  not  confine  Himself  to  the 
towns  and  cities.  He  loved  the  country,  and  on  the 
mountain,  and  by  the  sea-shore,  preached  His  own 
glorious  gospel.     His  ever  memorable  sermon,  the 
most  remarkable  and  sublime  that  ever  fell  on   hu- 
man ears,  recorded  in  the  gospel,  was  delivered  from 
a  mountain.     "He   preached    in    Jerusalem,    and 
Judea,  and  all  the  region  round  about," 


360  The  Centennial  of 

The  Apostles  were  itinerants,  both  before  and  af- 
ter their  Master  had  been  taken  from  them.  Their 
commission  reads,  u  Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and 
preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature,"  and  acting 
under  this  commission,  *w  they  went  everywhere 
preaching  the  word."  They  were  commanded,  it  is 
true,  to  "  begin  at  Jerusalem,"  for  it  had  been  writ- 
ten, '*  Out  of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the  law,  and  the 
word  of  the  Lord  from  Jerusalem,"  but  they  were 
not  to  abide  there.  They  were  only  to  "  tarry " 
there  "  until  they  were  endued  with  power  from  on 
high,"  until  they  received  the  baptism  of  fire,  and 
were  thus  qualified  for  the  great  work  to  which  they 
had  been  divinely  appointed.  To  confirm  their 
faith  in  the  power  of  the  gospel  to  save  sinners, 
under  the  first  sermon  that  was  preached,  after  the 
Holy  Ghost  came  upon  them,  three  thousand  were 
converted  and  added  to  the  church.  These  were 
the  first  fruits  of  the  glorious  harvest  that  was  await  • 
ing  them.  Thus  encouraged,  and  with  the  promise 
of  their  Lord  ringing  in  their  ears,  tkLo,  I  am  with 
you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world,"  they 
went  forth  "l  preaching  and  teaching  in  every  house." 
They  met  with  opposition,  but  not  defeat.  When 
persecuted  in  one  city,  they  would  flee  to  another, 
and  wherever  they  went,  they  preached  Christ  and 
him  crucified, "  as  the  only  hope  of  a  sinking  world. 
Commissioner  to  "  preach  the  gospel  to  every  crea- 
ture," they  would  not  be  confined  within  the  nar- 
row limits  of  the  land  of  Judea. 

Paul,  the  sometime  persecutor,  but  now  defender 
of  the  faith,  leads  off  in  the  great  work  of  carrying 


Methodism  m  Noeth  Carolina.  361 

the  gospel  into  heathen  lands.     He  stands  confess- 
edly in  the  front  rank  of  itinerant  ministers,  and  in 
nothing  is  behind  the  chief  of  the  Apostles.     "  Jle 
flew  as  with  the  wing  of  a  seraph  over  the  habitable 
globe  :  and  the  vastness  of  his  success  corresponded 
with  the  rapidity  of  his  movements,  and  the  inde- 
fatigable labors  of  his  ministry."     From  Damascus 
to  Arabia,  Judea,   Syria,   Asia-Minor,  Greece,  and 
round    about    unto    Ulyricum,"    he    had    fully 
preached  the  gospel  of  Christ.     Returning  with  the 
same  unwearied  diligence  to  visit  and  confirm  the 
churches  he  had  planted,  he  came  to  Mysia  and  es- 
sayed to  go  into  Bithynia:  but  the  spirit  suffered 
them  not."     He  then  passed  by  Mysia,  and  came 
down  to  Troas,  and  a  vision  appeared  to  Paul  in  the 
night.  There  stood  a  man  of  Macedonia,  and  prayed 
him,  saying,  Come  over  into  Macedonia  and  help 
us.       This  call  he  at  once  obeyed,  and  taking  with 
him  feilas  and  Luke,  they  hastened  to  Phillip!  "the 
chief  city  of  that  portion  of  Macedonia."     Here  on 
the  following  Sabbath,  they  preached  the  word,  'and 
Lydia,  the  first  fruits  of  Christianity  in  Europe,  was 
converted,  and  "attended   unto  the  things  which 
were  spoken  of  Paul." 

Paul  made  many  converts  at  Phillipi,  who  soon 
afterwards  gave  strong  proofs  of  their  affection  for 
him  and  of  their  devotion  to  their  Lord  and  Sa- 
viour, and  his  epistle  to  them  is  remarkable  for  its 
strong  expressions  of  affection.  But  Paul  could 
not  remain  at  Phillipi.  He  was  an  itinerant.  Duty 
required  him  to  go  «  not  only  to  those  who  wanted 
him,  but  to  those  who  wanted  him  most,"  and  he 
46 


862  The  Centennial  of 

continued  to  travel  and  preach  until  arrested  by 
Nero,  who  soon  added  his  name  to  the  list  of  the 
noble  array  of  martyrs.  Look,  also,  at  the  evan- 
gelists— were  not  they  itinerants?  After  the  mar- 
tyrdom of  Stephen,  we  find  them  going  out  in  dif- 
ferent directions  on  their  mission  of  love.  We  read 
that  they  went  everywhere  preaching  the  Word, 
the  Lord  working  with  them  and  confirming  the 
Word  with  signs  following.  In  Judea  and  Galilee 
and  Samaria  they  preached  with  wonderful  success. 
In  the  village  or  on  the  highway,  to  one  or  to 
thousands,  they  were  ready  to  preach  Jesus  and 
Him  crncitied. 

Timothy  has  been  called  the  first  Bishop  of 
Ephesns,  but  St.  Paul  gives  him  no  such  title,  and 
there  is  no  mention  of  his  ever  being  at  Ephesus 
except  as  an  evangelist,  and  when  he  is  directed  to 
winter  with  Paul,  another  is  ordered  to  take  his 
place.  In  fact,  all  that  we  read  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment concerning  the  labors  and  transactions  of  the 
Apostles  and  their  co-laborers  in  the  christian  min- 
istry, agree  with  the  itinerant  plan,  while  there  is 
not  a  word  from  which  we  can  infer  that  a  settled 
ministry  was  ever  adopted  by  any  portion  of  the 
apostolic  church.  This  plan  has  come  down  to  us, 
and  it  is  now,  as  it  was  at  the  beginning,  a  most 
efficient  plan  of  ministerial  labors.  Its  advantages 
are  great : 

1.  It  gives  to  the  people  the  benefits  of  a  varied 
ministry.  "  Paul  and  Appollos  and  Cephas,"  each 
in  turn  presents  in  his  peculiar  style  "  the  truth  as 
it  is  in  Jesus."     The  "son  of  thunder"  is  followed 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  363 

by  the  "son  of  consolation.1'  One  man  is  specially 
qualified  by  his  manner  of  preaching  to  arrest  the 
attention  of  the  wandering  and  bring  them  into  the 
fold  of  Christ.  Another,  by  his  qualifications  as  a 
pastor,  leads  them  "  into  green  pastures  and  beside 
the  still  waters,"  and  they  "  grow  up  into  Christ, 
their  living  head."  By  one  the  church  is  con- 
firmed and  established  in  the  faith,  and  carefully 
guarded  against  "  erroneous  and  strange  doctrines.'1 
By  another,  the  claims  of  experimental  and  prac- 
tical piety  are  urged  with  so  much  zeal  and  fervor 
that  they  "  grow  in  grace  "  and  are  "  careful  to 
maintain  good  works."  One  man  preaches  with 
the  polish  and  eloquence  of  the  "  golden-mouthed  " 
Chrysostom,  but  lie  is  utterly  wanting  in  adminis- 
trative ability,  and  under  his  ministry,  long  con- 
tinued in  any  one  place,  the  church  would  run 
down  ;  but  under  the  itinerant  plan  another  suc- 
ceeds him,  whose  skill  and  fidelity  in  the  maintain- 
ance  of  a  godly  discipline,  and  whose  tenderness 
and  care  as  a  shepherd  of  the  flock  makes  perma- 
nent the  benefits  of  the  other's  labors  and  secures 
the  highest  prosperity  of  the  church.  "  We  have 
found,"  says  Mr.  "Wesley,  "  by  long  and  constant 
experience,  that  a  frequent  exchange  of  preachers 
is  best.  This  preacher  has  one  talent,  that  another. 
No  one  whom  I  have  ever  yet  known  has  all  the 
talents  which  are  needful  for  the  beginning,  con- 
tinuing and  perfecting  the  work  of  grace  in  a 
whole  congregation."  Under  the  practical  work- 
ings of  this  system,  churches  have  sometimes  had 
appointed  to  them  pastors  whom  they  never  would 


364  The  Centennial  of 

have  "  called."  but  who  were,  of  all  others,  the 
very  men  they  most  needed.  In  the  fall  of  1823, 
the  church  in  a  small  town  in  Kentucky  concluded 
that  they  must  be  made  a  station.  They  had  only 
twenty-two  members,  and  must,  therefore,  have  an 
attractive  preacher,  one  who  could  draw  a  full 
house.  They  named  their  man  and  said  they  must 
have  him.  How  often  are  similar  statements  and 
requests  sent  up  to  our  bishops.  Bishop  George 
did  not  grant  their  request,  but  sent  them  a  young 
man  of  whom  they  had  never  heard,  one  who, 
though  devotedly  pious,  was  exceedingly  sensitive 
and  timid.  The  bishop  accompanied  the  young 
man  to  his  new  field  of  labor.  On  the  way  he 
learned  that  the  church  at was  so  disap- 
pointed in  not  obtaining  the  preacher  they  so  earn- 
estly petitioned  for,  that  they  had  determined  not 
to  receive  the  one  appointed,  and  but  for  the  earn- 
est persuasion  of  the  bishop  he  would  have  returned 
to  his  home.  On  reaching  the  town  they  became 
the  guests  of  the  most  prominent  member  of  the 
charge.  The  next  morning  the  bishop  and  his  host 
were  alone  in  the  parlor.  The  young  man  was 
sitting  in  the  porch  near  the  window,  with  nothing 
but  a  thin  curtain  between  him  and  them,  and  was 
an  unwilling  listener  to  the  following  dialogue  : 

Bishop — "  Well,    brother,    how    will    the  young 
man  do  V 

Brother — "  Not  at  all,  sir ;  we  might  as   wrell   be 
without  a  preacher." 

Bishop — "  I  hope  you  will  like  him   better  after 
awhile ;  treat  him  kindly,  he  is  God's  servant." 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  365 

Brother — "  He  can  remain  in  my  house  for 
awhile,  but  I  think  it  useless  for  him  to  remain  ; 
he  is  not  the  man  toe  wanted.'''' 

The  young  man  wept  and  begged  the  bishop  to 
release  him  ;  and  this  he  agreed  to  do  at  the  end  of 
a  month,  if  he  then  desired  it,  provided  he  would  fast 
once  a  week  and  spend  an  hour  each  day  in  prayer 
to  God  to  open  up  his  way.  The  last  Sabbath  has 
arrived.  As  yet,  there  has  been  no  indication  of 
God's  presence  in  the  congregation.  The  young- 
preacher  has  just  risen  from  his  knees,  and  going 
to  the  small  attic  window  of  his  room,  beholds  group 
after  group  of  citizens  flocking  to  his  church.  That 
day  God  was  with  him  in  the  pulpit.  The  word 
was  made  "quick  and  powerful.''  At  the  close  of 
the  sermon  penitents  were  invited  to  the  altar. 
With  loud  cries  for  mercy,  sinners  came  streaming 
down  the  aisles,  and  before  the  services  were  closed 
seven  souls  were  happily  converted.  The  meeting 
was  protacted,  and  in  a  private  dwelling,  where 
applicants  for  church  membership  were  invited  to 
come,  one  hundred  and  seven  were  received  into  the 
household  of  faith.  Thus  was  Methodism  firmly 
established  in  Russelville,  Kentucky,  by  Rev.  C. 
Stevenson,  a  preacher  whom  they  never  would  have 
called. 

2.  It  secures  to  the  minister  a  pastorate  so  long 
as  he  is  able  to  do  the  work  of  a  traveling  preacher. 

"  Unemployed  ministers,"  the  most  perplexing 
problem  for  other  churches  to  solve,  are  not  known 
among  us.  No  itinerant  is  ever  seen  "  idle"  in  the 
ecclesiastical  "  market-place  "  or  heard   complain- 


306  The  Centennial  op 

ing  that  "  no  man  hath  hired  "  him.  His  place  in 
the  vineyard  is  secured,  and  with  the  benediction 
of  the  Master  upon  him,  he  can  toil  on  as  long  as 
he  has  strength  to  wield  the  scythe  or  light  to  bind 
a  sheaf.  This  is  true  of  the  most  humble  member 
of  an  annual  conference,  as  well  as  the  most  gifted. 
lie  will  receive  an  appointment.  lie  will  be  as- 
signed to  some  post  of  duty.  He  will  be  sent  to 
feed  some  portion  of  "  flock  of  Christ."  It  may  be 
among  the  mountains  or  along  the  sea  shore — in 
the  hill  country  or  the  town.  It  may  be  to  the  in- 
telligent and  refined,  or  to  the  simple  and  rude.  It 
may  be  among  those  who  will  "  esteem  him  very 
highly  in  love  for  his  work's  sake,"  and  who  will, 
therefore,  give  to  him  a  generous  support,  or  it  may 
be  among  those  who  favor  a  free  gospel  as  well  as 
"  free  grace,"  and  who  never  can  be  taught  that 
"  quarterage  "  means  anything  else  than  a  quarter 
of  a  dollar.  Be  it  so.  Of  one  thing,  however,  he 
is  certain — he  will  have  a  place  among  "  the  la- 
borers.1' And,  thus  assured,  with  his  heart  all 
aglow  with  love  to  Jesus  and  His  cause,  he  goes 
forth  with  the  spirit  of  a  martyr,  ready  to  do  or 
die.  Some  years  ago,  at  a  session  of  the  South 
Carolina  Conference,  a  call  was  made  for  volunteers 
to  go  to  the  Mississippi  Valley.  Three  of  the 
brethren  responded,  and  immediately  at  the  end  of 
the  session  started  for  their  stations  in  the  Far 
West.  They  soon  reached  what  was  then  a  wilder 
ness,  but  they  moved  bravely  forward,  sleeping  in 
the  woods  at  night,  with  the  earth  for  their  bed, 
their  saddle-bags  for  their  pillows  and  the  heavens 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  367 

for  their  covering.  At  length  they  separated  and 
each  one  pursued  his  journey  alone.  One  of  them 
comes  to  a  swollen  stream — he  attempts  to  swim  it 
as  he  has  often  done  others,  but  the  stream  is  wide 
and  the  waters  are  rushing  madly  along.  His  faith- 
ful horse  fails  and  sinks,  and  the  itinerant  reaches 
the  shore  well  nigh  exhausted.  Before  he  can  reach 
a  house  and  obtain  relief  his  strength  utterly  fails. 
Placing  his  saddle-bags  at  the  root  of  a  tree,  he 
kneels  in  prayer,  and  as  he  prays,  the  soul  of  the 
heroic  Richard  Nolley  ascends  with  his  petitions 
to  the  throne  of  God,  where  the  humble  praj'er  of 
earth  is  followed  by  the  rapturous  hallelujahs  of 
heaven. 

There  is  nothing  that  a  faithful  minister  so  much 
dreads  as  to  be  unemployed  in  the  work  of  his  min- 
istry. What  emotions  are  felt  by  the  aged  itinerant 
when  he  learns  that,  in  the  judgment  of  his  breth- 
ren, the  time  has  come  for  him  to  be  placed  on  the 
superannuated  list !  How  he  often  pleads  to  be 
continued  effective.  Even  Dr.  Lovick  Pierce,  the 
Nestor  of  Southern  Methodism,  who  has  been  on 
the  effective  list  for  seventy-one  years,  still  desires 
that  relation  continued.  Look  at  McKendree,  As- 
bury  and  others.  How  they  struggled  against  dis- 
ease and  the  infirmities  of  age,  that  they  might 
labor  on  in  the  great  work  to  which  God  had  called 
them.  And  if  it  be  so  trying  to  the  aged  minister 
to  be  hindered  in  his  work,  how  terrible  it  must  be 
to  young  men  when  left  for  months  or  years  with- 
out employment,  waiting  for  a  call. 

3.  It  secures  to  every  congregation  a  pastor.    Tin- 


868  The  Centennial  of 

tier  the  itinerant  system,  no  flock,  however  small 
or  poor,  is  left  without  a  shepherd.  Small  congre- 
gations in  the  country  are  provided  for  as  well  as 
larger  ones  in  town  or  city,  and  people  living  in 
newly  settled  sections  of  the  countiw  are  furnished 
with  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  and  the  ordinances 
of  the  church.  The  log  cabin  of  the  emigrant  is 
no  sooner  built  than  it  is  visited  by  the  almost 
ubiquitous  itinerant,  his  children  are  instructed  in 
the  principles  of  religion  and  his  neighbors  are 
called  together  once  a  month,  or  oftener,  to  hear  in 
their  new  home  the  tidings  of  salvation.  In  this 
way,  many  from  the  older  States,  who  were  igno- 
rant of  Methodism,  and  sometimes  strongly  preju- 
diced against  it,  becoming  acquainted  with  its  doc- 
trines and  discipline,  have  had  all  their  prejudices 
removed  and  have  cast  in  their  lots  with  us.  A 
case  given  by  Bishop  Kavannah  will  illustrate  this 
point :  An  irreligious  family  moved  to  the  west. 
Only  the  grand-mother  was  a  christian,  but  she 
was  not  a  Methodist.  Soon  after  they  entered  their 
western  home  an  itinerant  found  them.  An  ap- 
pointment was  made  for  preaching  in  their  cabin. 
A  revival  followed,  and  every  member  of  this 
household,  together  with  the  grand-mother,  was 
converted  and  received  into  the  Methodist  Church. 
The  place  improved  rapidly  and  soon  became  a 
town  of  some  importance.  At  length  a  minister 
of  the  church  to  which  the  old  lady  formerly  be- 
longed arrived,  and  learning  that  she  was  once  a 
member  of  his  church,  called  to  see  her.  'l  And 
you  have  come  at  last,'1  said  the  old  lady,  "  I  knew 


Methodism  in  ]Stoeth  Carolina.  369 

yon  would  come.  When  our  place  became  a  village 
I  thought  you  would  come,  but  you  didn't.  After 
it  became  a  town  I  thought  you  would  come,  but 
you  didn't.  "When  the  railroad  and  telegraph 
reached  us,  I  said  surely  you  will  come,  but  you 
didn't.  But  when  the  hank  was  organized  a  few 
weeks  ago,  then  I  knew  you  would  come,  and  sure 
enough  you  have  come.  But  you  are  too  slow.  I 
am  too  much  of  a  Methodist  now  ever  to  leave 
them."  I  will  not  give  the  name  of  the  church  to 
which  he  belonged,  but  in  the  truthful  and  expres- 
sive language  of  Bishop  Kavanaugh,  "  it  is  the  slow- 
est in  speed  and  the  most  pretentious  on  arrival." 
To  the  same  source  I  am  indebted  for  another  illus- 
tration of  itinerant  life  in  the  west :  A  traveler  lost 
his  way  in  the  swamps  of  Louisiana  and  employed 
a  guide  to  conduct  him  safely  out.  As  they  were 
passing  through  the  cane  brakes,  they  heard,  as 
they  supposed,  some  huge  animal  approaching. 
"What  can  it  be?"  said  the  traveler,  with  some 
trepidation,  to  his  guide.  "  It  must  be  a  bar  (bear) 
or  a  Methodist  preacher,"  was  the  reply,  "  for 
nothing  else  would  try  to  travel  along  thar."  Soon 
it  made  its  appearance,  and  sure  enough  it  was  a 
circuit-rider  on  his  way  to  his  appointment.  These 
are  the  men  who  hunt  up  and  feed  the  sheep  in 
the  wilderness,  and  the  good  that  they  accomplish 
will  never  be  fully  known  until  the  light  of  eternity 
reveals  it. 

4.  It  keeps  preachers    and  people  in  a  state  of 
vigorous  and  healthy  activity.  The  frequent  changes 
made  kindles  the  zeal  and  rouses   the  energies  of 
47 


370  The  Centennial  of 

both  preachers  and  people.     It  brings  the  preacher 
into  contact  with  new  material.     New  features  of 
the  work  present  themselves  and  enlist  his  energies 
afresh.     It  gives  to  the  preacher  a  greater  degree  of 
independence  and  enables  him  to  "  speak  boldly  as 
he  ought  to  speak.1'     There  is  not  that  dependence 
upon  the  congregation,  the  consciousness  of  which 
so  often  becomes  a  snare  and  a  temptation   to  the 
man  of  God  in  his  work.     It   also  has  much  to  do 
with  the  rapid  development  of  the  ministry.     Min- 
isters and  laymen   of  other  churches  often  express 
their  surprise  at  the   rapid  advancement  made  by 
same   of  our  preachers  in  their   knowledge  of  the- 
ology and  in  their  ability  to  preach.     The  itineracy 
is  the  best  theological  seminary  in  the  land.     "  We 
learn  the  faster  by  telling  what  we  know."     When 
the  now  sainted  Bishop  Andrew  was  a  young  man 
he   was  sent   to  the   Bladen  Circuit  in   this  State. 
Passing  a  group  of  men  one  day  in  Robeson  county, 
one  of  them  remarked,  "  there  is  a  poor  excuse  for 
a  preacher."     "  Let  that  boy  alone,"  said  another, 
"  he  will  make  a  bishop  in  the   church  yet."     And 
what  name  is  dearer  to   Southern  Methodists  than 
that  of  James  Osgood  Andrew?     Beside  all  this, 
the  itinerant  system  gives  to  the  ministry  a  military, 
or    if  you  like  it  better,    a  pilgrim   character.     It 
brings  them  to  feel  most  sensibly  that  here  they 
have  "  no  continuing  city."     Required   to  forsake 
houses   and  lands,  professions  and  prospects,  kins- 
folk and  friends,   they  can   but  feel  that   they  are 
men  of  one  worli.     To  save  sinners,  to  comfort  and 
build  up  the  church,  to  push  forward   the  interests 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  371 

of  Christ's  kingdom  in  the  world — this  is  their  one 
and  only  work.  In  this  they  are  united.  To  this 
they  have  consecrated  soul,  body  and  substance 
No  secular  pursuit  or  interest  can  they  allow,  either 
in  themselves  or  in  their  co-laborers,  to  come  in 
conflict  with  the  one  work  of  saving  souls.  In 
zeal,  in  self-denial,  in  devotion  to  duty,  in  ability 
and  success,  the  itinerant  ministry,  in  Europe  and 
America,  is  second  to  none. 

5.  It  is  necessary  to  the  advancement  of  cJiris- 
tianity  both  at  home  and  abroad.  The  demand 
which  is  actually  made  by  the  wants  of  humanity 
cannot  be  met  but  by  the  aggressive  force  of  a  well 
directed  itineracy.  About  one  hundred  and  eight 
years  ago,  Methodism  was  introduced  into  America, 
Without  wealth,  or  learning,  or  colleges,  or 
churches,  or  ministers,  and  with  the  world  and  the 
professing  church  arrayed  against  her,  what  could 
she  hope  to  accomplish  ?  But  see,  she  has  already 
taken  the  lead  of  the  old  and  long  established  de- 
nominations. She  has  more  members,  more  col- 
leges, more  churches,  more  religious  newspapers 
and  periodicals,  and  her  work  is  just  begun.  To 
what  does  she  owe  her  astonishing  success  ?  Main- 
ly, we  think,  to  her  well  regulated  itinerant  sys- 
tem. The  preaching  of  the  gospel  is  the  divinely 
appointed  means  fur  the  world's  conversion,  and 
preaching,  itinerant  preaching,  has,  for  the  most 
part,  made  Methodism  what  she  is — a  power  and 
glory  in  the  land. 

Methodism  has  been  called  "the  greatest  fact  in 
history."     And  is  it    not   so  ?     Only  a  little  more 


8T2  The  Centennial  ojP' 

than  a  century  ago,  Methodism  took  its  rise  ill 
England.  To-night  she  has  a  controlling  influence 
over  between  fifteen  and  twenty  millions  of  human 
beings.  About  a  hundred  years  ago  Methodism 
was  introduced  into  Nerth  Carolina,  and  now  she 
lias  a  membership  of  a  hundred  thousand,  beside 
"the  hosts  that  have  crossed  the  flood !"  "lis 
fitting,  on  an  occasion  like  this,  that  I  call  your  at- 
tention to  the  fact,  so  clearly  set  forth  in  the  his- 
tory of  Methodism,  that  woman  has  had  much  to 
clo  in  making  our  itineracy  a  success.  Mrs.  Su- 
sanna Wesley  was  largely  instrumental  in  prepar- 
ing her  sons  John  and  Charles  for  the  itinerant 
work,  and  in  supporting  and  encouraging  them  in 
it,  and  since  that  day  the  christian  mother,  and  the 
devoted  wife  of  the  itinerant,  have  done  much  to 
extend  the  lines  of  Methodism  over  the  world.  But 
for  the  self-sacrificing  devotion  of  the  wife  many 
an  active  and  zealous  itinerant  would  have  been 
driven  to  location.  With  but  "a  handful  of  meal 
in  the  barrel,'1  and  only  "a  few  drops  of  oil  in 
the  ci'u  e,"  she  has  said,  ''Husband,  never  locate.'''' 
With  her  own  fair  hands  she  has  toiled  day  and 
night  for  the  maintenance  of  herself  and  children, 
never  complaining  of  her  lot,  and  feeling  amply  re- 
paid for  all  her  toils  and  self-denial,  when  her  hus- 
band's labors  have  been  effective,  and  sinners, 
through  his  instrumentality,  have  been  converted 
to  God.  Often  she  has  been  the  sole  instruc- 
tress of  her  children,  and  in  many  instances  she 
has  so  trained,  and  disciplined,  and  informed 
the  minds  of  sons  and  daughters,    that   they   have 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  £73 

become  distinguished  for  their  usefulness  in  society, 
and  pillars  in  the  Church  of  God.  The  itinerant's 
M7ife  has,  not  un frequently,  been  largely  instru- 
mental in  making  him  the  man  he  is.  But  for  her 
he  never  would  have  risen  to  the  position  he  now 
occupies  in  the  church.  But  she  has  stimulated 
him  to  study.  She  has  encouraged  his  application 
to  books.  She  has  suggested  improvements  in 
the  style  and  matter  of  his  sermons,  and  she  has 
studiously  guarded  him  against  being  hindered  in 
li is  work  by  annoyances  arising  from  the  manage- 
ment of  affairs  at  home.  Her  influence  in  the  so- 
cial circle  has  often  contributed  much  to  his  popu- 
larity  and  success,  and  her  labors  in  the  Sunday 
school  have  often  proved  her  to  be  a  most  efficient 
colleague.  Xoble  christian  women,  companions  of 
your  husbands  in  their  self-denying  itinerant  la- 
bors, you  will  be  partakers  with  them  in  the  great 
reward,  and  will  have  many  stars  in  your  "crowns 
of  rejoicing  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus." 

If  an  itinerant  ministry  is  supported  by  the  ex- 
ample of  Christ  and  his  disciples  ;  if  it  was  the 
apostolic  plan  for  the  conversion  of  the  world  ;  if 
our  beloved  Methodism  has  derived  so  much  benefit 
from  it  in  the  past,  then  let  us  never  abandon  it. 

As  preachers,  let  us  cling  to  it,  making  cheer- 
fully the  sacrifices  involved,  and  "rejoicing  that 
we  are  counted  worthy  to  suffer  for  Christ's  sake." 
Bishop  Pierce  once  said  that  "  an  angel  from  heaven, 
if  allowed,  would  gladly  travel  the  hardest  circuit 
in  the  connection."  Thank  God,  there  are  not 
wanting  men-  who  are  willing  to  do  this — sanctified 


874  The  Centennial  op 

men — men  "  full  of  faith  and  the  Holy  Ghost.'1 
All  honor  to  the  noble,  self-sacrificing  itinerant 
band  ! 

"They  toil  for  souls  for  which  the  Lord 

Did  heavenly  bliss  forego ! 
For  souls  which  must  forever  live 

Iu  rapture  or  iu  woe." 

Let  the  church  receive  with  a  Methodist  welcome 
such  ministers  as  may,  from  year  to  year,  be  sent 
to  serve  them,  and  give  them  a  generous  support. 
Locations  will  then  seldom  occur,  and  the  church 
will  secure  the  life-long  energies  of  her  devoted 
pastors.  Let  the  u  appointing  power  "  be  untram- 
melled "  by  "  petitions  "  and  "  special  requests." 
Trust  God  and  the  bishops.  Let  the  bishops,  in 
their  difficult  and  delicate  work,  not  "  lean  too 
much  to  their  own  understanding,1"  but  let  them 
take  counsel  of  those  who,  from  position,  experience 
and  devotion  to  Christ,  are  qualified  to  give  advice. 
Above  all,  let  bishops,  and  preachers,  and  laymen, 
be  much  engaged  in  prayer  for  the  divine  guidance 
and  blessing.  Our  course  shall  then  continue  to  be 
progressive,  and  the  successes  of  the  future  will  be 
even  more  grand  and  glorious  than  are  those  of  the 
past. 

After  the  toils  and  triumphs  of  a  hundred  years, 
the  Methodists  of  North  Carolina  assemble  at  her 
capital  on  this  Centennial  occasion,  to  thank  God 
for  the  successes  of  the  past  and  to  take  courage 
for  the  duties  of  the  future.  And  here,  like  Samuel 
with  Israel  at  Mizpeh,  we  will  raise  our  Ebenezer, 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  375 

and  with  united  voice  and  swelling  heart,  exclaim, 
"  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us." 

Rev.  M.  L.  Wood  read  a  letter  from  Bishop  Robert 
Fame,  D.  D. 

Rev.  J.  P.  Moore  made  some  remarks  in  reference 
to  the  success  of  this  Centennial  celebration. 

The  following  resolutions  were  read  and  unani- 
mously passed,  viz  : 

Resolved,  That  we  hereby  tender  our  thanks  to  the  citi- 
zens of  Raleigh  for  their  generous  and  elegant  hospitality. 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  our  thanks  to  the  various  rail- 
road and  steamboat  companies  for  their  kindness  in  passing 
visitors  to  and  from  this  Centennial  celebration  at  reduced 
rates. 

Resolved,  That  we  highly  appreciate  the  christian  courtesy 
of  the  pastors  and  churches  of  this  city,  who  have  offered 
us  the  use  of  their  houses  of  worship  for  divine  service  on 
to-morrow,  the  holy  Sabbath. 

Resolved,  That  we  hereby  express  our  grateful  thanks  to 
the  members  of  the  choir  of  Edenton  Street  Church  for  the 
choice  and  thrilling  music  which  has  added  so  much  to  the 
pleasure  and  profit  of  this  occasion. 

Dr.  Burkhead  read  announcements  for  preaching 
in  the  various  churches  on  to-morrow,  March  26th, 
1876,  and  for  a  grand  Sunday  school  mass-meeting 
in  Metropolitan  Hall,  at  3  P.  M. 

The  secretary  announced  that  the  subscription 
for  the  Metropolitan  Church  amounted  to  twelve 
thousand  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  dollars. 

The  benediction  was  pronounced  by  Rev.  W.  S. 
Black. 


376  The  Centennial  of 

SIXTH  DAY. 

March  26th,  1876. 

At  9  o'clock  A.  M.,  Love-feast  meetings  were 
held  in  the  two  Methodist  Churches.  These  meet- 
ings were  largely  attended,  and  were  both  interest- 
ing and  profitable. 

At  11  A.  M.,  Bishop  D.  S.  Doggett,  D.  D., 
preached  at  Eden  ton  Street  Church,  a  most  able, 
eloquent  and  impressive  sermon. 

At  11  A.  M.,  Bishop  II.  N.  McTyeire,  D.  D.„ 
preached  at  Person  Street  Church,  and  after  preach- 
ing, administered  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per. Those  who  heard  the  Bishop's  sermon  say  it 
was  able  and  convincing. 

At  11  A.  M.,  Rev.  W.  H.  Bobbitt  preached  at 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  Rev.  S.  D.  Adams  at 
Salisbury  Street  Baptist  Church,  and  Rev.  T.  A. 
Boone  at  Swain  Street  Baptist  Church. 

There  was  preaching  also  at  the  various  colored 
Methodist  and  Baptist  churches  in  the  city  at  11 
A.  M.,  by  Methodist  ministers  who  were  in  at- 
tendance. 

At  3  o'clock  P.  M.,  Sunday-school  mass-meeting 
at  Metropolitan  Hall.  The  hall  was  literally  packed. 
Bishop  H.  N.  McTyeire,  D.  D.,  in  the  chair.  Re- 
ligious services  were  conducted  by  Rev.  E.  L. 
Perkins. 

The  chairman  then  introduced  Rev.  J.  J.  Renn, 
of  Chapel  Hill,  announcing  his  subject  : 


d^ucA     At?*€st^ 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  377 


"  THE    SUNDAY     SCHOOL A    FIELD    FOR    THE    EMPLOY- 
MENT OF  THE  BEST  TALENT." 

Mr.  Renn  said  : 

Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  : 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact  in  the  history  of  the  church 
that  one  of  the  loveliest,  brightest  stars  in  the  lu- 
minous constellation  of  the  christian  system  re- 
mained comparatively  unnoticed  for  nearly  eighteen 
hundred  years  after  the  establishment  of  the  church 
in  the  world.  That  star  is  the  rich  provision  made 
by  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  for  the  religious 
training  of  children ;  and,  as  we  look  into  the 
moral  heavens  to-day,  it  meets  our  more  enlightened 
vision  in  its  modest  glory  as  the  loveliest  gem  in 
the  brilliant  coronal  that  encircles  the  brow  of 
Jesus,  and  shines  out  a  noble  vindication  of  the 
claims  of  Christianity  over  all  the  religions  of  earth. 
This  is  much  of  the  peculiar  glory  of  our  system 
that,  while  others  claiming  dominion  in  the  spirit- 
ual world  either  ignore  the  little  ones  or  offer  them 
in  sacrifice  to  their  false  gods,  ours  takes  them  in 
the  tender  arms  of  its  blessing  and  holds  them  up 
as  model  subjects  of  its  kingdom.  For  nearly 
eighteen  centuries  the  organized  efforts  of  the 
church  were  directed  mainly  to  trans  plan  ting  rough 
and  hardened  men  from  the  wilderness  of  the  world 
into  the  paradise  of  the  church,  "  that  they  might 
be  called  trees  of  righteousness,  the  planting  of  the 
Lord  that  He  might  be  glorified."  And  to  a  mar- 
velous extent  her  efforts  were  eminently  success- 
48 


S78  The  Centennial  of 

ful.     But  sjie  seemed  scarcely  conscious  of  the  fact 
that    underneath    the    wide-spread    hut    decaying 
"branches  of  these  gnarled  and  knotty   trees  stood 
their  young  and  tender  successors  just  budding  into 
vigorous  life,  ready  to  be  trained  by  careful  culture 
into  forms  that  might  stand  in  her  fertile  soil  stately 
as  the  palm  and   lovely   as  the  cedar  in  Lebanon. 
But  at  last  she  learned  the   blessed  truth  in  part,, 
and  committed  the   care  of  these  tender  plants  to 
any  who  would  voluntarily  assume  the  task.     But 
to-day,  awake  to  its  great  importance,   with  a  cor- 
rect estimate  of  the  grand  results  already  achieved, 
and    with   prophetic   eye  scanning  the  future,  she 
displays  to  the  view  of  an   admiring   and  applaud- 
ing world  the  Sunday  school  as   a  department  of 
consecrated  thought  and  activity  in  which  the  best 
talent  of  the  pulpit  and  the  pew,  of  the  forum  and 
the  auditorum,  of  the  sanctum  and  the  senate,  may 
labor,  with  the  sweet  assurance  that  through  their 
united  efforts  the  innocence  and  beauty  of  the  pri- 
meval Eden  will  be  reproduced  in  the  latter-day 
glory  of  the  millennial    reign,   when  earth's  moral 
desert  shall  blossom  as  the  rose,  when   beside   its 
every  stream  shall  stand  these  trees  of  life. 

The  Sunday  school  has  in  our  day  assumed  as- 
tonishing proportions.  Its  field  of  operations  is  as 
wide  as  the  world,  and  in  its  results  as  far-reaching 
as  the  countless  eons  of  the  great  hereafter.  As  an 
organized  institution  of  the  church,  it  calls  loudly 
for  the  best  gifts  of  the  head  and  heart  of  all.  It 
is  the  dawning  hope  of  the  church  that  from  the 
present  ranks  of  the  great  Sunday  school  army  will 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  379 

go  forth  those  who  are  destined  to  plant  the  Cross 
as  the  ensign  of  the  nations  on  the  last  stronghold  of 
hell,  and  gathering  around  it  shall  thrill  the  ocean- 
sundered  fibres  of  the  redeemed  earth  with  the  tri 
umphant  shout,  "  The  kingdoms  of  this  world  are 
become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord,  and  of  His  Christ, 
and  He  shall. reign  forever  and  ever."  Let  her  but 
use  the  means  which  she  has  and  her  hope  will  not 
be  disappointed. 

For  many  and  various  reasons  the  Sunday  school 
requires  gifted  and  talented  workers.  In  the  dis- 
cussion of  this  important  theme  I  shall  simply  at- 
tempt to  lay  the  proposition  of  my  subject  against 
a  clearly  defined  back -ground  of  facts  with  which 
it  is  vitally  connected,  that  all  may  see  and  feel 
its  importance. 

1.  The  design  of  the  Sunday  school.  This  design 
Is  to  cast  the  character  of  the  young  in  the  mold 
which  the  Bible  has  prepared  ;  to  train  them  up  in 
the  way  they  should  go  ;  to  "  bring  them  up  in  the 
nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord;'1  to  teach 
them  to  "  remember  their  Creator  in  the  days  of 
their  youth  ;"  to  guide  them  to  the  Cross  and  assist 
them  to  twine  the  tendrils  of  their  affections  around 
its  imperishable  beams  ;  to  set  before  their  minds 
and  impress  upon  their  hearts  the  highest  objects  of 
their  faith  and  hope  and  love ;  to  assist  them  in  the 
formation  of  habits  of  virtue  that  they  may  be  ready 
to  perform  with  patience  the  duties,  and  to  meet 
with  resignation  the  ills  of  life,  that  they  may  be 
useful  in  their  day  and  generation,  that  they  may 
stand  as  pillars  in  the  temple  of  God,  that  they  may 


380  The  Centennial  of 

be  as  lights  in  a  benighted  land,  as  salt  amidst  the 
impurities  of  earth,  that  they  may  escape  the  pollu- 
tions and  consequences  of  sin  and  find  a  home  in 
heaven.  This  is  a  work  which  cannot  be  success- 
fully performed  by  minds  darkened  by  ignorance 
and  unskillful  in  the  word  and  doctrine,  however 
much  the  heart  may  be  illumined  by  the  light  of 
the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God.  Eeligion  is 
both  a  science  and  an  art.  Indeed,  it  is  the  Science 
of  all  sciences,  the  Art  of  all  arts.  Its  divine  author 
says,  "If  ye  will  do  His  will,  ye  shall  know  of  the 
doctrine  whether  it  be  of  God."  To  know  His  will 
is  the  science — to  do  His  will  is  the  art  of  religion. 
And  in  the  Sunday  school  in  a  preeminent  sense  is 
sanctified  talent  necessary  to  unfold  the  theory  to 
the  mind,  as  well  as  sanctified  example  to  impress 
the  practice  on  the  heart  of  the  learner. 

2.  The  intense  desire  of  young  minds  for  knoivl- 
edge.  Every  child  is  a  philosopher  in  embryo.  His 
mind  is  always  on  the  stretch  to  know  the  nature 
and  reason  ot  things,  lie  believes  in  the  invisible 
as  well  as  the  visible,  the  ideal  as  well  as  the  real. 
He  is  ready  to  grasp  and  retain  the  design,  to  run 
back  along  the  line  of  reason  to  the  designer,  and 
forward  to  the  destiny  of  every  object ;  and  the 
only  way  to  satisfy  and  save  him  is  to  give  a  truth- 
ful answer  to  his  inquiries.  With  a  child  religious 
truth  is  as  readily  received  as  any  other,  provided, 
it  be  presented  in  an  attractive  form  and  manner; 
but  lie  soon  turns  in  disgust  from  the  ignorant,  in- 
different teacher  of  invisible  and  past  or  future 
things,  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  present  and  visible, 


Methodism  m  North  Carolina.  381 

and  ceases  to  trouble  himself  about  that  which  he 
imagines  nobody  understands  because  his  teacher 
did  not.  Doubtless  the  fruitful  source  of  so  much 
scepticism  and  wickedness  is  that  such  multitudes 
of  children  are  in  the  hands  of  parents  and  so-called 
teachers  who  are  too  ignorant  or  indolent  to  give  a 
rational  exegesis  of  the  plainest  passages  of  scrip- 
ture. The  mind  of  childhood  is  a  blank  to  be  filled 
by  the  results  of  its  education,  and  it. will  be  filled 
by  that  which  is  unprofitable  and  destructive,  un- 
less some  talented  hand  shall  inscribe  on  it  the  im- 
perishable record  of  truth.  Let  sanctified  talent 
impress  that  truth  as  the  guide-book  for  the  young, 
and  they  will  find  the  way  here  and  the  life  here- 
after. 

3.  The  great  display  of  talent  in  the  cause  of 
modern  infidelity.  This  is  a  startling  thought. 
Many  of  the  most  important  branches  of  science  are 
now  marshaled  in  the  merciless  warfare  of  modern 
infidelity  against  the  claims  of  inspired  revelation. 
The  demon  of  infidelity  has  ceased  to  dogmatize 
as  he  did  in  the  garden  of  Eden  ;  has  ceased  to  rave 
madly  as  he  did  in  the  land  of  Uz  ;  has  sheathed 
the  sword  and  opened  the  dungeon  of  other  ages  ; 
is  ashamed  of  the  ridicule  and  transparent  sophis- 
try of  a  hundred  years  ago;  but,  more  subtile  still, 
he  now  labors  with  Titanic  strength  to  build  his 
monstrous  hecatomb  for  the  hopes  of  mankind  on 
the  basis  of  reason.  So  plausible  are  his  theories, 
so  ingenious  his  arguments,  so  deep  and  wide  and 
comprehensive  his  researches,  so  pleasing  his  con- 
clusions to  the  natural  mind  and  heart,  so  often  has 


382  The  Centennial  of 

he  sent  the  blush  of  shame  to  the  cheek  of  dog-. 
matie  theology  ;  that  it  is  nonsense  to  think  of 
scattering  bis  legions  with  the  clumsy  catapults  of 
mere  dogmatism. 

We  need  not  mention  these  things  in  the  Sun- 
day school.  There  is  no  need  of  the  critical 
acumen  of  the  reviewer  with  his  nice  discrimina- 
tions, to  take  the  gloss  from  false  theory,  to  lead 
the  mind  over  the  wide  field  of  research,  to  unravel 
the  web  of  sophistry,  and  show  the  absurdity  of  its 
conclusions.  T^To,  there  is  no  need  of  all  that.  But 
give  to  the  Sunday  school  minds  and  hearts  skilled 
in  the  precepts  and  practice  of  our  holy  religion, 
and  let  them  plant  in  the  hearts  of  our  children 
the  hopes  of  the  gospel.  Then  when  they  go  out 
into  the  world  and  meet  the  insidious  fiend  of  in- 
fidelity, whether  "squat  like  a  toad,"  at  the  ear  of 
sleeping  innocence,  or  in  whatever  disguise,  they 
will  be  ready  to  apply  this  Ithuriel-spur-touch  of 
their  faith, 

"Go  ask  the  infidel  what  hope  he  brings  ns, 
What  charm  for  aching  hearts  he  can  reveal  ? 

Sweet  as  the  heavenly  promise  hope  sinews  us, 
Earth  has  no  sorrow  that  heaven  cannot  heal.'" 

And  the  monster,  betrayed  into  his  own  horrid 
shape,  will  stand  before  them  in  all  his  repulsive 
deformity;  and  the  golden  scales  of  God  hung  in 
the  heaven  of  the  heart  will  show  that  he  is  weighed 
and  found  wanting. 

This  assertion  is  to-day  receiving  its  triumphant 
demonstration    on   both   sides  of  the  ocean.     The 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  383 

earth  is  vibrating  with  the  majestic  tread  of  the 
mightiest  revival  of  religion  this  world  has  ever 
known.  In  breadth  and  length  and  depth  and 
height  it  exceeds  any  revival  of  the  past  ages.  How 
may  we  account  for  this  wonderful  display  of  divine 
power?     To  me  the  answer  seems  plain. 

The  Sunday  school  idea  sprang  from  its  germ  into 
active  life  less  than  a  century  ago.     It  has  passed 
rapidly  and  successfully  through  the  following  dis- 
tinct periods  of  its  history    1.  Of  its  recognition,  as 
a  means  ofmental  and  moral  elevation  of  the  child- 
ren of  the  poor.     2.  Of  its  organization,  when  by 
authority  of  ecclesiastical  convocations,  it  was  made 
the  duty  of  ministers  to  organize  Sunday  schools. 
3.  Of  its  development,  when  its  doors  were  opened 
to  children  and  youth  of  all  classes  and  conditions, 
and  the  work  of  supplying  it  with  appropriate  litera- 
ture commenced.     4.  Of  its  incorporation,  when  it 
was  embraced  as  an   organized    institution  of  the 
church,   working  in  and  for  the  church  and  for  the 
glory  of  God.     5.   Of  its  expansion,  when  its  doors 
were  thrown  wide  open  to  adults  as  well  as  children 
and  youth,  and  all  alike  urged  to  come  and  study 
the  work  of  God  ;  when  the  aid  of  talent  and  wealth, 
and  art  and  science  were  invoked,  as  well  as  relig- 
ion ;  when  teachers'  institutes  and  normal  classes 
were  organized  ;  when  denominational  and  union, 
county,  district,  state  and  national  associations  and 
conventions  canvassed  the  subject  in  all  its  bearings 
until  popular  interest  and  sympathy  were  aroused. 
Thus  expanded,  elevated  and  illuminated  it  threw 
its  radiant  light  on  the    millions  of  Europe  and 


381  The  Centennial  op 

America,  and  its  mighty  army,  led  by  talented 
champions  from  church  and  state,  stood  ready  to 
move  forward  into  the  very  heart  of  the  grand  his- 
toric period  of  its  realization. 

Infidelity  soon  gave  the  opportunity. 

Defeated  with  its  puny  weapons  in  the  days  when 
Methodism  nursed  the  infant  Sunday  school,  it  spent 
a  century  in  gathering  musty  lore  from  the  misty 
past;  and  brushing  it  up,  and  baptizing  it  in  the 
name  of  "  Science — falsely  so  called," — it  marched 
up  to  the  face  of  the  church,  standing  with  her 
mighty  ally — the  Sunday  school,  flourishing  its 
rationalistic  vagaries  about  the  creation,  and  the 
gospel,  and  its  infamous  "prayer  test."  In  derision 
its  advocates  cried  "Where  is  now  thy  God?" 
"  With  the  exulting  irony  of  Elijah  they  challenged 
the  church  to  try  her  power  in  prayer.  The  aroused 
church  in  Great  Britain  went  to  her  knees.  The 
vital  principles  of  her  faith  were  proclaimed  in  the 
simple  language  of  inspiration  by  a  lay-preacher 
trained  in  the  Sunday  school,  (Mr.  Moody)  and  fifty 
thousand  souls  were  converted  !  while  uncounted 
thousands  were  brought  to  Christ  under  other  min- 
isters. America  is  on  her  knees,  and  from  the 
Tabernacle  in  Brooklyn,  from  the  Old  Depot  in 
Philadelphia,  from  the  Hippodrome  in  New  York, 
from  twenty  thousand  glowing  hearts  daily,  comes 
the  joyous  shout  "  The  Lord  of  Hosts  is  with  us, 
the  God  of  Jacob  is  our  refuge,"  while  countless  con- 
gregations over  all  the  land  repeat  the  gladsome 
sound!  What  a  spectacle  !  'Tis  the  shout  of  na- 
tions in  answer  to  the  interrogatory  refrain  of  the 
Sunday  school  song  "Wrhat  shall  the  harvest  be?" 


Methodism  in  JSToktii  Carolina.  38 j 

All  this  is  simply  the  reaping  of  the  field  sown  by 
the  Sunday  school.  And  where  is  Tyndal,  Darwin, 
Strauss  ?  What  has  been  said  of  Hume,  Voltaire 
and  Bolingbroke  may  soon  be  said  of  them.  "  It 
requires  the  world's  reprieve  to  bring  them  from  the 
prison  of  their  darkness."  If  the  comparatively 
meagre  share  of  talent  employed  has  done  this,  what 
might  be  done  if  all  would  come  to  this  fruitful 
field. 

4.  The  Rise  and  Progress  of  the  Sunday  school 
in  connection  with  other  events  of  the  last  century. 
What  a  contrast  does  our  nation  present  to-day  with 
what  it  and  the  world  was  a  hundred  years  ago  ! 
Then  the  children  were  neglected  on  the  Lord's 
holy  day.  The  heathen  were  sleeping  and  dying- 
undisturbed  in  the  darkness  of  their  moral  night. 
Books  were  few.  Yice  and  ignorance  and  drunken- 
ness held  high  carnival  at  home.  The  lightning  was 
free.  The  power  of  steam  was  unknown.  The  people 
groaned  under  a  galling  political  yoke.  But  at  that 
very  time  the  hands  of  talent  and  genius  were  sow- 
ing seeds  from  which  we  are  reaping  a  harvest  that 
astonishes  the  world,  and  perhaps  the  angels. 

Then  a  boy  lay  by  his  mother's  kitchen  hearth 
watching  the  dancing;  kettle  lid  ;  and  his  ideal  medi- 
tations  have  realized  themselves  in  iron  rails  and 
giant  locomotives  and  palatial  steamers  bearing  to 
and  from  every  port,  and  across  the  wide  ocean,  the 
commerce  of  the  nations. 

Then  Poor  Richard  pressed  his  trembling  kite 
against  the  fire-crowned  brow  of  the  black-visaged 
king  of  the  storm  ;  and  as  the  result  of  that,  across 
4\) 


386  The  Centennial  of 

the  plain,  and  over  the  mountain,  and  under  the 
wave,  the  servile  lightning  flies  with  the  thoughts 
of  men,  and  has  brought  the  ends  of  the  earth  to- 
gether. 

Then  another  noble-hearted  Virginian  banished 
whiskey  from  his  harvest  field  ;  and  to-day  the  great 
temperance  reform  is  planting  roses  on  faded  cheeks 
and  hopes  in  desolate  hearts,  and  its  eloquent  tongue 
is  pleading  in  the  pulpits,  forums  and  senates  of 
the  nations  ;  and  we  trust  the  day  is  not  far  distant 
when  this  illustrious  Jonadab  joined  heart  and  hand 
with  our  rushing  Jehu- — the  masterspirit  of  church 
and  state — will  destroy  the  priests  and  demolish  the 
temples  of  this  monstrous  god  of  rum. 

Then  Protestantism  had  less  than  fifteen  mission- 
aries bearing  the  light  of  Christianity  in  heathen 
lands  :  Now  we  have  more  than  fifteen  thousand 
missionaries  proclaiming  the  "glad  tidings1'  in  the 
willing  ears  of  more  than  fifteen  hundred  thousand 
heathen  in  the  "  regions  beyond,"  while  the  most 
obstinate  nations  are  opening  their  gates,  and  the 
ends  of  the  earth  are  crying  "  Come  and  help  us." 

Then  commenced  in  earnest  the  translation  and 
circulation  of  the  scriptures  in  foreign  languages 
and  in  foreign  lands.  Now,  in  the  language  of  an 
eloquent  divine,  "Where  is  the  Bible?  Wherever 
there  is  light.  Speaking  the  language  of  heaven  in 
seven  score  and  a  half  of  the  tongues  of  earth,  and 
jn vino:  the  word  of  God  bv  forty  millions  of  voices 
to  five  times  as  many  million  ears,  and  in  tongues 
spoken  by  six  hundred  millions  of  men,  and  having 
swept  its  path  of  storm,  it  still  walks   triumphant 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  387 

despite  earth's  dying  malice  and  hell's  eternal 
wrath,  and  like  the  apocalyptic  angel,  though  it 
wraps  its  mantle  of  cloud  around  it,  calmly  looks 
out  upon  the  world  with  a  face  as  it  were  the  sun 
encircled  with  the  rainbow.1' 

Then  was  formed  the  nucleus  of  the  tract  socie- 
ties. Now  their  truth-laden  waifs,  like  the  pome- 
granates on  the  roue  of  Messiah's  prototype,  give 
beauty  and  relish  to  his  word  in  every  land. 

Then  the  fire  of  Methodism  was  kindled  in  the 
old  world  and  the  new.  Now  where  the  dry  stub- 
ble  is,  it  is  burning  on. 

Then,  and  by  no  means  least  among  the  wonder- 
ful productions  uf  that  wonderful  era,  the  idea  of 
the  Sunday  school  was  conceived  and  took  its  or- 
ganized form.  Now  the  various  branches  of  Meth- 
odism in  the  United  States  and  Canada  number 
about  three  millions  Sunday  school  members.  All 
the  other  denominations  number  about  four  mil- 
lions. We  say  nothing  of  the  result  in  Europe,  save 
that  the  aggregate  is  not  less  than  twelve  millions 
in  both  countries. 

These  are  some  of  the  mighty  sons  of  progress 
that  date  their  birth  with  the  era  of  the  Sunday 
school;  and  their  strength  is  laid  under  contribu- 
tion in  its  tremendous  operations.  The  telegraph 
bears  its  orders  and  tells  of  its  work,  the  steam 
prints  and  circulates  its  literature,  the  liberties  of 
the  people,  the  influence  of  temperance,  the  far 
distant  missionary,  the  omnipresent  Word  of  God, 
and  the  talent  and  grace  of  the  church  are  all  sub- 
sidized by  its  mighty  influence. 


388  The  Centennial  of 

Thus  do  we  see  the  Sunday  school  planted  in  this 
country  nearly  a  century  ago,  when  the  gospel  was 
preached  in  the  wilderness,  and  annual  conferences 
often  held  in  log  cabins,  taking  its  position  in  the 
front  rank  of  the  great  enterprises  that  have  devel- 
oped the  power  of  unfettered  civilization  and  the 
light  of  religion  to  such  an  extent  that  our  land  has 
become  the  inviting  beacon  that  is  guiding  the 
struggling  barque  of  this  world's  hopes  to  the  haven 
of  rest.     Here  we  may  well  say  with  the  poet  : 

41  When  a  deed  is   done   for   freedom,    through  the  broad 

earth's  aching  breast 
Runs  a  thrill  of   joy  prophetic,   trembling  on    from  east  to 

west  ; 
And  the  slave,  where'er  he  cowers,    feels   the    sonl  within 

him  climb 
To  the  awful  verge  of  manhood,  as  the  energy  sublime 
Of  a  century  bursts  full-blossomed  on  tlie  thorny  stem  of  time. 
Through  the  walls  of  hut  and  palace   shoots   the   instanta- 
neous throe, 
Where  the  travail   of   the   Ages   wings   earth's  systems  to 

and  fro  ; 
At  the  birth  of  each  new  era,  with  a  recognizing  start, 
Nation   wildly   looks   at   nation,  standing  with    mute  lips 

apart, 
And  glad  Truth's  yet  mightier  man-child  leaps  beneath  the 

Future's  heart." 

5.  The  present  social  and  religious  condition  of 
our  country  audits  probable  future.  We  are  try- 
ing to  unite  elements  the  most  diverse,  and  to  bind 
in  one  bond  of  union  the  fiery  disposition  of  the 
denizen  of  the  tropics  with  the  cold,  calculating  in- 
habitant of   the  Green  mountains  :  the   effeminate. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  389 

sentimental  dwellers  of  the  east  with  the  hardy, 
nomadic  pioneers  of  the  great  west,  whose  prome- 
nade is  the  war  path,  and  who  drive  away  the  bines 
by  bearding  the  grizzly  bear  in  his  Bocky  Moun- 
tain home.  We  have  the  pliant  European,  the 
stubborn  American,  the  ignorant  African,  and  the 
prejudiced  Mongolian.  We  have  the  worshippers 
of  the  Great  Spirit,  the  disciples  of  Confucius,  the 
followers  of  Luther,  the  children  of  the  Pope,  the 
general  destructionists,  the  general  restorationists, 
and  the  fanatics  of  the  new  dispensation.  We  have 
the  advocates  of  every  political  creed  under  the 
sun.  Never  was  there  a  nation  like  ours.  Spread- 
ing over  an  extent  of  territory,  compared  to  which 
the  far-famed  nations  of  antiquity  fade  into  insig- 
nificance, and  counting  nearly  fifty  millions  of 
souls ;  the  number  of  our  people  is  annually  and 
rapidly  increased,  and  as  thoroughly  mixed  by  emi- 
gration from  every  clime.  It  has  been  estimated, 
from  a  careful  review  of  the  past,  that  the  popula- 
tion of  the  United  States  will,  within  the  next 
century,  reach  three  hundred  millions.  It  is  cer- 
tain that  its  ultimate  capacity  for  population  is  at 
least  eight  hundred  millions. 

This  enormous  aggregate  may  be  reached  much 
sooner  than  we  imagine.  "We  are  certainly  grow- 
ing ;  and  the  foundations  we  wish  this  vast  politi- 
cal society  to  stand  upon  we  ought  to  have  not  only 
laid,  but  most  firmly  built  up  at  this  very  time.  In 
vain  do  we  grow  if  we  grow  not  wisely.  The 
power  which  these  United  States  must  have  to 
maintain  a    happy  or  peaceful    liberty  must  be  an 


390  The  Centennial  of 

intelligent,  religions  power.  Our  people  must  do 
right,  and  do  right  intelligently.  To  a  nation  like 
our  own  ignorance  is  death  ;  the  loss  of  virtue  is 
annihilation.'" 

How  is  this  vast  aggregation  of  heterogeneous 
elements  and  interests  to  be  harmonized?  Asa 
people  we  can  ask  no  more  important  question  than 
this.  We  need  not  look  to  the  wisdom  of  states- 
men and  the  influence  of  politicians  to  give  us  an 
answer.  Not  in  any  form  of  government  inde- 
pendent of  correct  and  deep  religious  influence  will 
this  desirable  consummation  be  reached.  The  pul- 
pit, that  mighty  conservator  of  truth,  has  hitherto 
failed  to  furnish  this  cohesive  power.  Its  minis- 
trations are  mainly  to  the  adult  portion  of  our  peo- 
ple, and  religious  teaching  does  not  often  change 
the  political  habits  of  grown  up  men.  And  it  is  a 
sad  truth  that  too  much  of  its  influence  has  gone  to 
foment  strife  and  division  both  in  church  and 
State,  in  opposition  to  the  spirit  of  that  "charity 
which  is  the  bond  of  perfectness ;"  and  which,  in 
this  country,  must  be  the  bond  of  social,  civil  and 
religious  harmony,  or  our  blood-bought  institutions 
will  soon  be  buried  in  the  graves  of  their  faithful 
defenders.  Neither  will  we  find  it  in  the  press  or 
the  secular  school.  It  is  alone  to  the  Sunday 
school  that  we  look  with  confident  hope  that  this 
vast  diversity  of  sentiment  and  interest  will  be  har- 
monized ;  that  our  children  under  faithful  and 
competent  teachers  will  learn  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
the  pure  social  and  conservative  principles  which 
He    only   can   give     and    which    this  wide    world 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  391 

must  learn  before  the  sceptre  shall  be  wrenched 
from  the  bloody  hand  of  anarchy,  and  the  olive 
branch  of  universal  peace  shall  be  the  emblem  of 
the  nations.  This  we  may  see  in  a  clearer  light  by 
considering  biefly. 

6.  The  Sunday-school  work  of  the  present  day 
and  its  probable  results.  Various  methods  and 
plans  have  been  introduced  into  the  Sunday  school 
work  at  different  periods  of  its  history,  all  tending 
to  raise  it  to  a  higher  plane  of  usefulness.  I  need 
not  introduce  them  here.  I  shall  confine  my  re- 
marks to  three  in  which  the  hand  of  God  seems  to 
be  specially  manifest. 

1.  The  system  of  object  teaching.  This  is  car- 
ried on  to  a  large  extent  by  the  illustrated  Sunday 
school  literature  of  the  present  day  ;  but  I  wish  to 
speak  more  particularly  of  the  blackboard.  This 
is  now  coming  into  general  use.  God's  blessing 
is  attending  it.  And  no  wonder  ;  object  teaching 
is  God^s  own  favorite  method.  Throughout  the 
Divine  Revelation,  when  it  was  practicable  to  in- 
troduce objects  it  was  done.  God  did  not  give  to 
Noah  a  verbal  description  of  an  invisible  token  of 
His  Covenant,  but  He  said  :  "Behold,  I  do  set  my 
bow  in  the  cloud,"  and  on  the  blackboard  of  the 
retiring  flood  the  delighted  eyes  of  the  old  patriarch 
saw  the  mysteriously  beautiful  arch,  tinged  with 
the  vermilion  blush  of  grateful  mercy  ;  and  still 
his  children  see  it. 

On  the  blackboard  of  the  lonely  night  Jacob  saw 
the  ladder  let  down  from  heaven,  and  angels  as- 
cending and  descending  upon    it.     On    the   black- 


392  The  Centennial  of 

board  of  Moses'  solicitude  for  Israel  the  divine 
crayon  traced  the  enchanting  vision  of  the  coming 
glory.  On  the  blackboard  of  Judah's  transgres- 
sions Isaiah  saw  the  Lord  high  on  His  throne,  in 
His  temple,  with  Ilis  train  and  the  seraphim.  In 
a  word,  in  the  multitudes  of  visions  of  the  Old 
Testament,  and  the  many  objects  used  by  our  Sa- 
viour in  the  New — and,  finally,  the  grand  pano- 
rama of  the  apocalypse,  crowned  with  "the  New 
Jerusalem  coming  down  from  God  out  of  heaven" — 
we  behold  God  as  the  first  and  great  master  of 
object  teaching. 

2.  The  International  Sunday  School  Convention, 
which  met  fur  the  first  time  in  Baltimore  last  May, 
at  which  there  were  over  four  hundred  delegates 
reported,  representing  England,  Canada,  and 
twenty-eight  States  of  the  Union.  This  is  the  re- 
sult of  local  conventions  and  assemblies  innumer- 
able. To  this  great  convention  came  the  best  heads 
and  hearts  of  the  denominations,  ministers  and 
laymen  representing  all  parties,  and  worked  to- 
gether for  the  glory  of  Him  whose  spirit  had  made 
them  one.  This  shows  the  beating  of  the  popular 
pnlse. 

3.  The  international  session  system.  The  Na- 
tional Sunday  School  Convention  held  in  Indian- 
apolis, Indiana,  in  1872,  appointed  a  committee  of 
twelve  representing  the  Methodist,  Baptist,  Pres- 
byterian, Episcopal  and  Congregational  denomina- 
tions of  the  United  States,  and  the  Sabbath  School 
Association  of  Canada,  and  instructed  them  to  pre- 
pare a  series   of  uniform    lessons  for   general  use. 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  393 

They  went  unanimously  and  heartily  into  the 
work.  Just  three  years  and  three  months  ago  they 
offered  their  first  lessons  to  the  public.  Had  they 
been  offered  twenty-five  years  ago  I  believe  they 
would  have  met  with  universal  disapprobation. 
The  church  then  was  not  ready  for  them.  But  now 
behold  the  result  !  It  is  only  less  than  a  miracle. 
Only  two  years  and  four  months  after  their  intro- 
duction the  secretary  of  that  committee,  Dr.  War- 
ren Randolph,  reported  to  the  International  Con- 
vention in  Baltimore  that  "these  lessons  are  largely 
in  use  throughout  our  own  land  by  Methodists, 
Presbyterians,  Baptists,  Episcopalians,  Congrega- 
tionalism, Lutherans,  Moravians,  friendly  members 
of  the  Reformed  churches,  Adventists,  and  many 
others — a  mighty  host,  to  be  enumerated  only  by 
millions.  Each  of  these  denominations  has  estab- 
lished Sunday  school  periodicals,  large  parts  of 
which  are  devoted  to  the  exposition  of  the  lessons. 
In  addition  to  these  private  enterprise  has  estab- 
lished many  more.  The  weekly  religious  press  of 
almost  all  denominations  expounds  the  same,  and 
in  some  instances  secular  papers  are  doing  it,  while 
the  teaching  of  the  lesson  for  the  following  day  has 
become  the  Saturday  feature  of  the  noon  day 
prayer  meetings  all  over  the  land.  Thus  our  les- 
sons have  found  their  way  to  the  Sunday  schools 
along  the  shores  of  the  Atlantic,  down  the  slopes 
of  the  Pacific,  and  through  all  the  region  which 
lies  between.  East  and  west  and  north  and  south 
have  come  to  love  and  use  them.  Who  would  have 
thought  ten  years  ago  that  Divine  Providence  was 
50 


394  The  Centennial  01? 

preparing  for  our  land  such  a  bond  of  union  I 
"This  is  the  Lord's  doing; ;  it  is  marvelous  in  our 
eves."  Scarcely  less  wonderful  is  it  that  the 
British  colony  of  Canada  should  be  so  heartily  in 
accord  with  us.     *  *     But  this  is  not  all.    Our 

Work  will  help  to  unify  the  nations.  The  tidal 
wave  is  already  rolling  along  the  shores  of  conti- 
nental Europe.  The  grand  swell  is  felt  in  Asia, 
and  even  in  the  regions  that  are  beyond.  Our 
lessons  are  to-day  in  use  in  France  and  Germany, 
in  Sweden,  Norway,  Denmark,  the  Netherlands, 
Turkey,  Italy  and  Greece ;  in  Syria,  Hindustan, 
India,  Burin  ah  and  China.  Mexico  and  the  Choc- 
taw Indians  are  sitting  with  us  to  study  the  same 
scriptures.  Australia,  New  Zealand,  and  the  Sand- 
wich Islands  have  clasped  hands  with  us  across  the 
intervening  waters,  and  it  is  literally  true  that  one 
set  of  Sabbath  studies  is  going  with  the  sun  around 
the  globe."  The  circle  of  unity  is  complete.  Here 
is  the  fact  ;  astounding,  but  true.  Like  all  other 
facts  this  has  its  philosophy.  I  shall  endeavor  to 
show  this  only  in  some  of  the  provable  results  of 
this  great  work. 

1.  One  probable  result  will  be  to  increase  largely 
the  number  and  efficiency  of  the  regular  ministry. 

2.  Another,  more  probable  still,  it  will  flood  the 
world  with  lay  preachers.  May  God  through  the 
Sunday  school  raise  up  ten  thousand  Moody s  ! 

?>.  Universal  revivals  of  religion.  It  is  a  signifi- 
cant fact  that  in  the  present  clay,  wherever  there  is 
a  good  Sunday  school  revivals  follow  with  but  lit- 
tle   effort ;   while  the   reverse  is    equally  true — no 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  395 

Sunday  school,    no    revival.      When    the    Sunday 
school  becomes  universal  revivals  will  be  universal. 

4.  Universal  extirpation  of  bigotry.  The  church 
should  hail  with  unspeakable  joy  the  power  that 
shall  wipe  forever  this  foul  blot  from  her  other- 
wise fair  escutcheon.  This  power  the  Sunday 
school  possesses  in  larger  measure  than  any  other 
earthly  agency.  The  general  circulation  of  the 
Bible,  studied  by  the  aid  of  the  International  Les- 
sons, from  which  all  sectarianism  is  excluded,  and 
the  unquestioned  Word  alone  is  taught,  and  well 
taught,  will  elevate,  expand  and  harmonize  the 
religious  thought  of  the  next  o-eneration  far  above 
any  period  of  the  past,  and  the  leaven  will  work  on 
until  bigotry  will  be  remembered  only  as  a  dark 
shadow  on  the  background  of  the  past  year,  wdien 
this  filthy,  remorseless  Beast  of  the  Apocalypse, 
who,  though  for  ages  he  may  have  had  his  lair  in 
the  Vatican,  has  made  the  deep  and  bloody  foot- 
prints of  his  prowling  in  the  territory,  and  his  mark 
on  the  foreheads  of  men  in  every  division  of  the 
church  in  all  ages;  has  fomented  the  bloodiest 
strifes  of  all  time,  that  baptized  the  offering  of  the 
first  redeemed  worshipper  with  the  crimson  current 
of  his  heart;  that  drained  the  life-blood  of  the  Re- 
deemer; and,  "drunk  with  the  blood  of  the  saints,1' 
has  kindled  the  fires  of  every  stake;  and  has  la- 
bored for  six  thousand  years  to  bury  the  lovely  form 
of  Charity  under  the  rubbish  of  false  creeds,  shall 
be  no  more ! 

5.  Then  shall  follow  universal  fraternity.  The 
dawn  of  its  day  of  peace  and  love  is  upon  us.     Its 


396  The  Centennial  of 

morning  star  is  the  Sunday-school.  How  much  it 
has  had  to  do  with  the  drawing  of  nations  and  de- 
nominations together  it  is  impossible  to  say.  That 
it  has  done  much  in  this  direction  is  beyond  ques- 
tion. In  the  morning  twilight  of  the  coming  day 
of  universal  brotherhood,  we  see  England  and 
America,  with  the  sword  resting  peacefully  in  its 
scabbard,  standing  in  old  Independence  Hall,  with 
clasped  hands,  to  celebrate  the  triumph  of  the  one 
and  the  defeat  of  the  other;  while  from  east  and 
west  and  north  and  south,  the  nations  of  the  earth 
gather  around  not  as  allies  of  either  party,  nor  as 
armed  neutralities,  nor  as  pouncing  vultures;  but 
to  swell  the  grand  chorus  in  the  first  universal  song 
in  praise  of  civil  liberty.  At  last  the  nations  pause 
in  their  butchery,  and  say  to  each  other  "We  be 
brethren." 

In  its  morning  twilight  wTe  see  the  Evangelical 
Alliance  waving  the  olive  branch  above  the  battle 
fields  of  the  past,  above  the  crumbling  thrones  of 
tyranny,  above  the  flrel»ss  ashes  and  the  charred 
stake,  above  the  cowering  beast,  above  the  walls  of 
sectarianism  ;  while  in  the  distance,  "  as  the  voice 
of  many  waters,"  comes  the  approving  shout  of 
"nations  and  kindred  and  people  and  tongues." 

In  its  morning  twilight  we  see  the  Churchman 
and  the  Dissenter,  the  Calvinist  and  the  Anninian, 
working  together  to  give  the  world  a  new  and  im- 
proved  version  of  that  word  which  is  able  to  make 
all  men  wise  and  free;  and  which  in  making  them 
wise  and  free,  will  make  them  one. 

What  is  to  be  the  end  of  this  ?     Who  shall  tell 


Methodism  in  Kokth  Carolina.  39? 

us  ?  Perhaps  St.  John  has  already  told  us.  Hear 
him  :  "  I  saw  as  it  were  a  sea  of  glass  mingled  with 
fire  ;  and  them  that  had  gotten  the  victory  over  the 
beast,  and  over  his  image,  and  over  his  mark,  and 
over  the  number  of  his  name,  stand  on  the  sea  of 
glass  having  the  harps  of  God.  And  the}7  sing  the 
song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb,  saving  :  "Great  and 
marvelous  are  thy  work,  Lord  God  Almighty,  just 
and  true  are  thy  ways  thou  King  of  Saints ;  for  all 
nations  shall  come  and  worship  before  thee,  for  thy 
judgments  are  made  manifest." 

Now,  let  us  suppose  that  this  sea  of  glass  repre- 
sents the  Truth,  as  contained  in  the  Bible,  studied 
and  embraced  by  all  nations^  and  the  commingled 
fire  the  Holy  Ghost,  purifying,  expanding  and  ele- 
vating this  sea  until  its  flood  tide  of  truth  and 
love  rises  high  above  the  walls  of  sectarian  preju- 
dice, reared  by  the  hands  of  ignorance  and  bigotry  ; 
and  the  universal  church,  transformed  into  a  uni- 
versal Sunday  school,  with  her  countless  hosts  "see- 
ing eye  to  eye,"  with  spotless  robe  and  waving 
palm,  and  sounding  harp,  shall  together  celebrate 
the  victory  over  the  Beast,  and  give  the  glory  to 
the  King  of  Saints,  and  the  vision  will  be  realized. 
And  who  knows  but  that  its  realization  will  be  the 
Internatianal  Centennial  Celebration  of  the  adop- 
tion of  the  International  Sunday  school  Lessons  ? 

"Creeds,  empires,  systems  rot  with  age, 
But  the  great  people's  ever  youthful ! 

And  it  shall  write  the  future's  page 
To  our  humanity  more  truthful!" 


398  The  Centennial  of 

7.  Above  all  the  vast  variety  and  importance  of 
the  subjects  of  knowledge  embraced  in  the  scrip- 
tures. In  the  Sunday  school  we  are  trying  to  ful- 
fill the  words  of  David.  "One  generation  shall 
praise  thy  works  to  another,  and  shall  declare  thy 
mighty  acts.  They  shall  abundantly  utter  the 
memory  of  the  great  goodness,  and  shall  sing  of  thy 
righteousness.  *  *  They  shall  speak  of  the 
glory  of  thy  kingdom  and  talk  of  thy  power.  To 
make  known  to  the  sons  of  men  His  mighty  acts; 
and  the  glorious  majesty  of  His  kingdom,11  which 
•'is  an  everlasting  kingdom,11  and  whose  ''dominion 
endureth  through  all  generations.11 

As  I  ponder  on  these  things,  methinks  I  see  the 
Bible  transformed  into  a  stupendous  column,  built 
of  pellucid  crystal,  quarried  in  truth's  eternal  hills; 
around  whose  broad  and  immovable  base  curls  the 
smoke  and  wreathes  the  flame  and  lowers  the  cloud, 
and  leaps  the  lightning,  and  crashes  the  thunder, 
and  pours  the  tempest,  and  hiss  the  serpents,  and 
shriek  the  fiends,  and  prowls  the  dragon  of  the  bot- 
tomness  pit;  where  despair  with  haggard  visage 
dances  on  the  cenotaph  of  Hope:  Upon  whose  star 
gemmed  capital  rests  the  Great  White  Throne, 
where  clouds  of  golden  incense  float,  and  lovely 
rainbows  arch,  and  suns  rotate,  and  cherubs  read 
the  Book  of  Life,  and  seraphs  blaze,  and  angels  sing, 
and  saints  rejoice,  and  mercy  smiles,  and  tears  are 
dried,  and  friend  meets  friend  in  amaranthine  bow- 
ers to  say  farewell  no  more  ;  while  Hope,  immortal 
still,  with  radiant  brow,  stands  by  and  points  still 
upward  to  glories  yet  to  come.     And  along  whose 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  399 

shaft  from  capital  to  base  are  moulded  figures  of  a 
thousand  shapes,  symbolizing  every  imaginable 
scene  in  heaven,  earth  and  hell  ;  and  embracing  in 
one  broad  classification  every  science  that  has  been 
opened  to  the  contemplation  of  man.  And  on  its 
broad,  spiral  stairway,  built  and  coiled  around  it  by 
the  wizard  hand  of  time,  I  see  eager  millions  of 
earth's  inquiring  children  gazing  with  rapt  attention 
on  the  scene.  They  are  all  Sunday  school  scholars 
and  would  gladly  learn  the  meaning  of  those  sym- 
bols. What  are  the  things  symbolized  in  the  sculp- 
tured hieroglyphics  of  their  great  lessons?  Let  us 
enumerate  a  few.  There  is  history,  sacred  and  pro- 
fane, universal  and  particular,  ancient,  modern  and 
prospective.  ' \  There  is  prophecy  and  its  fulfilment, 
theology  and  its  development,  the  many  computa- 
tions of  chronology,  the  boundaries  and  divisions  of 
geography.  There  are  the  beauties  of  botany,  the 
plumage  of  ornithology,  the  multitudinous  forms  of 
zoology.  There  is  the  calculus  of  the  mathematics, 
the  depths  of  the  metaphysics,  and  the  models  of 
rhetoric.  There  is  a  lone  ark  on  a  shoreless  sea,  a 
guiding  pillar  of  cloud  and  flame,  a  gushing  rock  in 
an  arid  waste,  a  mercy  seat  and  burning  incense,  an 
altar  of  sacrifice  and  ministering  priest,  with  ephod 
and  breast-plate,  and  urim  and  thummin.  There 
is  man,  his  origin,  his  present  condition,  his  weal, 
his  woe,  his  destiny.  There  each  one  may  behold 
as  in  a  glass  the  living  semblance  of  what  he  is,  and 
again  of,  what  he  ought  to  be. 

And  accompanying  those  symbols  wherever  they 
are  seen,  are  index  hands  all  pointing  to  one  central 


4:00  The  Centennial  of 

group,  sculptured  in  bold  relief,  most  prominent  in 
which  are  a  cross  and  a  crown.  Let  us  turn  our  eyes 
in  the  direction  indicated  by  the  index  fingers. 
What  do  we  see?  There  is  a  mysterious  star;  and 
on  a  plain  some  shepherds  and  their  flocks.  The 
air  is  bright  with  angels,  silver  wings  and  joyful 
sounds  are  heard.  There  is  a  babe  in  swaddling 
bands,  with  an  ox-stall  for  His  birth-place  and  a  bor- 
rowed manger  for  His  cradle,  while  at  His  feet  are 
venerable  strangers  bending  in  adoration,  display- 
ing princely  gifts.  Anon,  the  infant  is  a  man.  By 
a  river's  brink,  in  a  demon-haunted  wilderness,  on 
burning  desert  sands,  on  mountains  bleak,  on  stormy 
seas,  by  an  ancient  well,  by  empty  bier  and  vacant 
tomb,  by  lepers'  haunt,  and  beggars'  boothe  and 
healing  pool,  in  rural  homes,  in  crowded  streets  His 
form  is  seen  ;  and  as  he  goes,  the  blind  behold  His 
face,  the  deaf  listen  to  His  voice,  the  dumb  speak 
His  praise,  the  lame  leap  as  the  hart,  the  leper  feels 
His  healing  touch,  the  dead  live,  the  wind  and  wave 
retire  to  rest.  There  is  a  man  sowing  by  the  way- 
side, on  rocks,  among  thorns,  on  good  ground. 
There  is  a  mustard  seed,  and  a  barren  fig  tree;  a 
buried  talent,  and  a  widow's  mite ;  a  precious  pearl, 
and  a  rich  fool ;  a  self-righteous  pharisee,  and  a 
penitent  Publican ;  a  Dives  in  his  Palace,  and  a 
Lazarus  at  his  gate  ;  and  then  the  one  in  flames  and 
the  other  in  Abraham's  bosom.  A  supernatural 
glory  on  the  summit  of  a  mountain,  and  a  superna- 
tural agony  in  the  olive  shadows  of  a  garden.  There 
is  an  arrest  without  warrant,  a  trial  without  testi- 
mony, a  convict  without  a  crime,  and  judgment  with- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  401 

out  mercy.  There  is  a  mock  royalty,  and  a  mock 
homage  ;  a  traitor  to  his  Master,  and  a  coward  in 
His  cause  ;  a  few  friends  and  many  foes  ;  a  thorn - 
crowned  Victim  on  a  pitiless  cross.  A  strange  trem- 
bling in  the  earth,  and  a  strange  agitation  in  the 
heavens.  A  loud  cry,  a  rending  of  the  temple  veil, 
and  darkness  and  silence  reign.  Anon,  there  is  an 
open  sepulchre  tenanted  by  cast-off  linen,  a  scarred 
form  is  seen  at  intervals  in  strange  communion  with 
men ;  and  then,  with  wounded  hands  spread  in 
blessing  over  a  world  of  enemies,  that  form  retires 
beyond  the  stars  in  company  with  angels.  These 
are  some  of  the  scenes  portrayed  in  that  wonderful 
group  ;  and  the  eyes  of  all  those  children,  all  along 
that  winding  way  are  fixed  on  them.  Their  ears  are 
eager  to  catch  their  teachers'  exegesis.  They  look 
to  that  exegesis  to  guide  them  up  the  winding  way 
to  the  place  where  stands  the  Cross,  where  they  may 
wash  their  robes  in  the  crimson  fountain  at  its  foot, 
and  find  angelic  convoys  to  bear  them  company  to 
their  appointed  places  in  the  living  rainbow  round 
about  the  Throne  ;  where  with  teacher  and  class- 
mate, with  student  cherub  and  loving  seraph,  in  the 
everlasting  Sunday  school  of  heaven  they  may  learn 
and  love  forever.  In  the  name  of  Him  who  bids 
them  come,  let  them  have  talented  teachers  to  help 
them  on  their  way.  O,  for  ten  thousand  talented 
minds  with  souls  on  fire  to  come  and  cultivate  this 
field! 


51 


402  The  Centennial  of 

conclusion. 

In  the  Sunday  School,  the  Best  Talent  may  reap 
the  richest  reward. 

[four  religion  be  true  our  rational  conceptions  of 
the  ideal  must  find  their  realization  somewhere  in 
the  universe.  According  to  this  belief  the  world 
bestows  its  richest  honors  on  the  men  who  employ 
their  talent  in  the  effort  to  realize  our  highest  con- 
ceptions of  the  ideal.  We  conceive  of  angels  as  per- 
fect creatures  inhabiting  the  invisible  world.  The 
sculptor  chisels  their  shape  in  the  lifeless  marble,  the 
painter  limns  their  forms  on  the  unthinking  canvass, 
the  poet  gives  them  a  ''local  habitation  and  a  name" 
and  the  musician  catches  some  stray  notes  from 
their  celestial  choirs  ;  and  for  this  the  world  honors 
them  ;  registers  their  names  on  the  roll,  and  places 
their  sculptured  forms  on  the  pillar  of  immortality, 
and  transmits  their  memories  to  the  passing  genera- 
tions in  story  and  in  song.  But  their  works  crum- 
bled, mildewed,  forgotten  in  the  hurry  of  the  ages 
will  have  no  part  in  the  resurrection  ;  and  if  remem- 
bered beyond  the  dark  valley  will  be  reverted  to 
only  as  illustrations  of  the  weakness  of  man's  most 
brilliant  efforts.  But  he  who  sees  an  angel  in  the 
form  of  a  little  child,  and  brings  his  talent  in  patient 
devotion  to  the  work  of  developing-  it,  shall  inscribe 
his  name  on  the  throbbing  heart  of  a  living,  grateful 
monument,  that  the  tires  of  tribulation  will  but  re- 
fine ;  that  will  stand  unmoved  when  the  death  throes 
of  earth  shall    wring  from   their   bases   the   lasting 


Methodism  in  ]S*orth  Carolina.  403 

hills  ;  which,  with  the  Rock  of  Ages  for  its  pedestal, 
will  adorn  heaven  and  reflect  its  lustre  on  his  spirit 
forever.  That  will  he  his  reward  "  If  any  man 
serve  Me  hint  will  my  Father  honor.'"' 

Bishop  McTyeire  requested  Bishop  Doggett  to 
close  the  exercises 

The  Bishop  came  forward  in  response  to  the  call 
and  delivered  a  short,  but  a  most  appropriate  and 
thrilling  speech.     Everybody  was  delighted. 

The  vast  audience  sung  the  Long  Metre  Dox- 
ology,  and  Bishop  McTyeire  pronounced  the  bene- 
diction. 

Thus  closed  the  exercises  of  the  first  Centennial 
celebration  of  the  year  1876. 

It  was  a  grand  success.  May  its  influences  for 
good  never  die. 


Wi.fi>*4JLxX 


RALEIGH    CHRISTIAN   ADVCOATE   AND 
RELIGIOUS  JOURNALISM. 


BY  REV.  J.  B.   BOBBITT,  D.  D. 


The  Centennial  mass-meeting  held  in  the  city  of 
Raleigh,  commencing  March  21st,  1876,  unani- 
mously adopted  the  following  resolution  : 

"  Resolved,  That  as  the  Raleigh  Christian  Advocate  has  held, 
and  does  now  hold  an  important  relation  to  North  Carolina 
Methodism,  the  Rev.  James  B.  Bobbitt  is  hereby  earnestly 
requested  to  prepare  a  sketch  of  the  Advocate's  history,  and 
its  relation  to  North  Carolina  Methodism,  and  that  the  same 
be  published  in  connection  with  the  various  addresses  de- 
livered during  this  meeting." 

In  compliance  with  this  request,    I  proceed    to 

give  such  facts  as  I  have  been  able  to  obtain  bear- 
ed 

ing  upon  the  history  of  the  paper.  The  sketch 
which  I  shall  give  must,  of  necessity,  be  meagre, 
and  unsatisfactory.  In  the  absence  of  any  con- 
nected file  of  the  Advocate,  I  have  relied  greatly 
upon  my  seniors  in  the  Conference  for  facts  and 
dates  in  the  preparation  of  this  sketch. 

The  question  of  publishing  a  paper  as  the  organ 
of  the  North  Carolina  Conference  was  first  brought 
before  that  body  at  its  session  held  in  Pittsboro, 
December,  1854,  and  measures  were  then  taken, 
looking  to  the  establishment  of  such  a  paper. 

At  the  Wilmington  Conference,  held  November, 
1855,  a  plan  was  matured,  and  the  Raleigh  Christ- 
ian Advocate  was  established.  Rev.  R.  T.  Hefiin 
was  elected  editor,  and  the  first  number  was  issued 


406  The  Centennial  of 

January,  1856.  Dr.  Heflin  was  continued  in  the 
position  as  editor  until  1861.  In  1860,  Rev.  W.  E. 
Pell  was  elected  assistant  editor,  and  in  1861  he  was 
elected  editor  in  chief.  During  the  early  part  of  this 
year  the  paper  was  suspended  by  order  of  the  pub- 
lishing committee  on  account  of  the  war  and  for  the 
further  reason  that  its  resources  were  not  sufficient 
to  meet  current  expenses.  At  the  Conference  held 
in  Raleigh,  December,  1862,  a  joint  stock  company 
was  formed.  This  company  took  the  Advocate,  as- 
sumed its  liabilities  and  received  all  its  income, 
while  the  Conference  was  to  have  an  equal  voice 
with  the  company  in  the  election  of  editor. 

Rev.  W.  E.  Pell  was  chosen  as  editor  and  con- 
tinned  in  that  position  until  some  time  in  the  year 
1865,  when  it  was  again  suspended.  At  the  Con- 
ference held  in  Fayetteville.  November,  1866,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  take  into  consideration 
the  feasibility  of  resuscitating  the  Advocate  for  the 
third  time.  The  committee  brought  in  a  favornble 
report,  which  was  adopted.  Rev.  "W.  H.  Cunning- 
gim  was  appointed  agent  to  manage  the  affairs  of 
the  company  and  to  publish  the  paper.  The  first 
number  was  issued  in  the  spring  of  1867,  with  Rev. 
II.  T.  Hudson,  managing  editor.  For  reasons  satis- 
factory to  the  agent  and  the  editor  the  name  of  the 
paper  was  changed  from  Christian  Advocate  to 
Episcopal  Methodist.  During  this  3?ear  the  office, 
in  which  the  paper  was  printed  was  burned,  and 
much  of  the  type  and  fixtures  were  destroyed,  or  so 
damaged  as  to  render  them  of  little  value. 

In  addition  to  this  misfortune,  heavy  debts  came 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  407 

upon  the  company,  and,  the  agent  finding  himself 
unable  to  meet  them,  the  entire  office  which  had 
been  saved  from  the  wreck  of  the  fire,  including 
press,  type  and  fixtures,  was  advertised  to  be  sold 
during  the  year  1868,  to  satisfy  claims  against  the 
company.  Rev.  H.  T.  Hudson,  in  addition  to  his 
editorial  duties,  had  the  pastoral  oversight  of  Eden- 
ton  Street  Church  in  the  city  of  Raleigh-  He  saw 
the  situation.  It  was  a  crisis  with  the  paper.  To 
allow  the  office  to  be  sold  under  the  sheriff's  hammer 
would  have  been  humiliating;  and  how  to  prevent 
the  paper  from  going  down — how  to  avoid  the  mor- 
tification of  the  fourth  suspension  with  no  visible 
prospect  of  its  ever  being  revived  again,  were  per- 
plexing questions.  There  seemed  to  be  a  sort  of  fatal- 
ity connected  with  the  paper  and  its  publication.  Its 
friends,  many  of  them,  had  forsaken  it,  and  no  one 
could  be  found  who  was  willing  to  risk  a  dollar  in 
the  enterprise.  In  this  extremity,  Rev.  II.  T.  Hud- 
son came  forward  on  the  day  of  sale  and  bought  in 
the  type,  press  and  office  furniture,  with  his  own 
private  funds.  He  secured  the  services  of  R.  H. 
Whitaker,  Esq.,  (now  Rev.)  to  take  charge  of  the 
paper — do  all  the  mechanical  work — bear  all  ex- 
penses and  receive  all  the  profits.  The  editorial  de- 
partment was  under  the  control  of  brother  Hudson. 
For  his  services  he  received  no  pecuniary  considera- 
tion whatever. 

For  a  year  and  more  the  paper  was  continued 
under  this  management,  all  the  while  in  a  struggle 
for  existence.  The  reasons  assigned  for  the  difficul- 
ties with  which  it  was  environed  in  its  publication 


408  The  Centennial  of 

under  this  management,  are  thus  briefly  stated  : 
First,  the  war  had  left  the  people  in  an  impoverished 
condition.  Second,  the  pecuniary  complications  of 
the  company.  Third,  lack  of  confidence,  on  the 
part  of  the  people  by  reason  of  previous  suspensions. 
Fourth,  the  editor  was  overworked,  having  the  over- 
sight of  an  extensive  pastoral  charge,  in  addition  to 
his  editorial  labors. 

The  foregoing  embodies  all  that  I  have  been  able 
to  obtain,  respecting  the  history  of  the  Advocate, 
prior  to  my  editorial  connection  with  it.  The  ac- 
count is  meagre — a  very  little  trace  of  history  for  so 
great  an  interest. 

At  the  Conference  held  in  Statesville,  December, 
1868,  I  was  solicited,  at  an  early  period  of  the  ses- 
sion, by  some  of  my  best  friends,  and  by  Rev.  H. 
T.  Hudson,  who  was  then  the  custodian  of  the  Ad- 
vocate property,  to  take  charge  of  the  paper  and 
publish  it  in  the  interest  of  the  Conference.  When 
the  subject  was  first  brought  to  my  attention,  it  did 
not  strike  me  favorably.  I  could  not  think  of  as 
suming  such  a  responsible  position.  While  many 
of  my  friends  favored,  some  advised  against  it.  Af- 
ter mature  thought  and  prayerful  consideration  of 
the  whole  question,  I  decided  to  take  the  paper  and 
risk  the  consequences.  It  was  thought  best  that  the 
Conference  should  assume  no  pecuniary  risk  in  its 
publication,  but  to  adopt  it  as  their  organ  and  to 
use  it  as  a  medium  of  communication.  To  carry 
out  the  wishes  of  the  Conference  in  this  particular, 
which  were  in  harmony  with  my  own  views,  I  pur- 
chased of  Rev.  II.  T.  Hudson,  the  subscription  books, 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  409 

type,  press  and  fixtures,  at  a  price  agreed  upon  by 
us;  the  Conference,  by  resolution,  requested  the 
Bishop  to  appoint  me  editor  of  the  paper,  adopted 
it  as  their  organ,  and  pledged  to  it  a  hearty  support. 
The  Bishop  gave  me  the  appointment,  I  received  it 
with  fear  and  trembling.  When  my  name  was 
read  out,  "  J.  B.  Bobbitt,  editor  of  the  Raleigh 
Christian  Advocate,'1'1 — a  friend  near  by  remarked, 
"You  have  the  hardest  appointment  in  the  Confer- 
ence." A  distinguished  visitor  from  another  Con- 
ference, and  a  doctor  of  divinity,  said  "Ah,  my 
brother,  it  will  give  you  aheap  of  trouble."  I  kept 
silence.  I  opened  not  my  mouth.  My  mind  was 
decided.  I  had  surveyed  the  field,  and  counted  the 
cost.  My  confidence  was  in  the  great  Head  of  the 
Church.  I  felt  that  the  Conference  could  not  afford 
to  be  without  a  paper  published  in  her  bounds. 
With  a  membership  of  more  than  fifty  thousand, 
and  with  the  wealth  and  intelligence  of  our  church, 
I  could  but  believe  that  the  enterprise  would  be  a 
success. 

Reasoning  from  the  past,  some  predicted  that  the 
paper  would  soon  go  down  again.  Its  previous  sus- 
pensions had  destroyed  confidence  in  it.  While  it 
was  in  the  range  of  possibilities  to  restore  that  con- 
fidence, they  did  not  conceive  it  at  all  probable  that 
such  would  be  the  result.  Under  these  circum- 
stances I  entered  upon  the  responsible  position  of 
editor  of  our  Conference  organ.  I  had  no  experi- 
ence in  this  department  of  church  work.  I  had 
edited  a  paper  during  the  year  1807,  but  did  not 
allow  it,  in  any  respect,  to  interfere  witli  the  pas- 
52 


410  The  Centennial  of 

toral  duties  of  my  charge.  L  had  written  for  the  re- 
ligious press,  but  had  no  experience  in  the  editorial 
conduct  of  a  religious  journal.  The  first  number 
of  the  paper,  under  this  new  arrangement,  was  is- 
sued on  the  sixth  day  of  January,  1S69. 

When  I  took  charge  of  the  paper,  there  were  only 
about  two  hundred  and  fifty  names  on  the  subscrip- 
tion books.  Many  of  these  were  non-paying  sub- 
scribers. In  about  two  months  the  number  was  in- 
creased to  one  thousand.  I  was  greatly  encouraged 
by  this  rapid  increase.  My  work  was  arduous.  I 
labored  day  and  night.  I  was  editor,  proof-reader, 
book-keeper  and  mailing-clerk.  My  heart  was  in 
the  work.  I  determined  to  assume  no  liabilities 
which  I  could  not  meet  at  the  close  of  each  week. 
The  paper  must  pay  its  way  or  it  could  not  go  for- 
ward. Confidence  in  its  success  was  gradually  re- 
stored, and  hearty  congratulations  came  in  from  all 
quarters.  My  subscription  list  had  already  gone 
beyond  my  most  sanguine  expectations.  My  heart 
was  full.  I  thanked  God  and  took  courage.  Thus 
the  paper — our  paper — lifted  its  head  above  the 
waves  of  misfortune  and  has  had  smooth  sailing,  all 
the  while,  until  it  now  has  its  place  in  the  great 
family  of  Advocates  in  the  Southern  Church,  not 
only  in  point  of  circulation  but  also  in  character, 
influence  and  usefulness. 

In  this  connection  it  is  proper  that  I  should  say 
that  very  much  of  the  success  of  the  paper  up  to 
that  time  and  to  the  present  is  due  to  the  hearty  sup- 
port of  the  Conference  and  their  untiring  efforts  to 
give  it  circulation.  Among  its  warmest  friends  was 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  411 

the  sainted  Dr.  N.  F.  Reid.  He  wrote  for  it,  talked 
for  it  and  obtained  many  subscribers  for  it.  He  was 
my  warm  personal  friend.  He  was  an  uncompro- 
mising friend  of  the  paper.  I  loved  him  tenderly, 
and  will  ever  cherish  his  memory.  It  was  through 
his  influence,  perhaps  more  than  of  any  other  one 
person,  that  I  was  induced  first  to  embark  in  the 
enterprise.  He  promised  to  stand  by  the  paper ; 
and  nobly  did  he  keep  his  promise  to  the  day  of  his 
death. 

The  following  is  his  letter  of  congratulation  which 
appeared  in  the  first  number  of  the  paper  issued 
after  I  had  assumed  its  editorial  charge.  This  will 
serve  to  show  the  great  interest  he  felt  in  the  en- 
terprise and  his  confidence  in  the  success  of  the  un- 
dertaking : 

Rev.  J.  B.  Bobbitt: 

Dear  Brother :  Allow  me  to  congratulate  you  on  assum- 
ing the  editorial  conduct  of  the  "  Methodist."  The  paper 
has  had  a  hard  struggle  for  its  existence.  The  impoverished 
condition  of  the  country,  the  limited  mail  facilities,  off  the 
main  lines,  and  the  idea  which  has  obtained  that  it  would 
soon  be  suspended,  have  made  it  an  exceedingly  difficult 
task  to  send  it  out  week  after  week,  with  its  bills  footed  up. 
The  man  Avho  performed  this  task,  Rev.  H.  T.  Hudson,  de- 
serves the  thanks  of  the  whole  church.  Whether  the  obli- 
gation shall  ever  be  fully  recognized  or  not,  he,  together 
with  those  who  have  battled  for  the  paper,  will  have  the 
proud  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  an  important  enterprise 
has  been  rescued  from  threatened  overthrow  and  placed  up- 
on a  living  basis.  You  take  hold  of  it,  where  he  left  off. 
The  coast  is  clear  for  you.  The  circumstances  under  which 
you  commence  your  career,  as  a  church  editor,  are  favor- 
able to  success.     Your  editorial  experience  in  another  de- 


412  The  Centennial  of 

partment  will  be  of  great  service  to  you.  The  paper  Is  un- 
encumbered— there  never  was  so  much  unanimity  in  its  sup- 
port in  the  Conference.  Our  people  feel  the  necessity  for 
its  continuance — money  matters,  we  all  hope,  will  become 
easier — -the  idea  of  its  suspension  will  be  abandoned,  and 
now,  if  the  preachers  will  rally  to  its  support,  as  I  believe 
they  will,  we  may  have  a  paper  that  will  not  only  meet  our 
wants,  but  one  of  which  we  shall  all  feel  justly  proud.  If 
I  had  the  ear  of  every  member  of  Conference  I  would  say — 
let  us  all  at  once  send  up  a  list  of  subscribers,  and  I  would  say 
to  every  member  of  the  church  who  is  able  to  take  a  paper 
at  all — ta.Jce  first  your  own  Conference  paper.  That  which 
gives  influence  and  importance  to  other  conferences  is  the 
manner  in  which  they  support  their  own  enterprises.  If  we 
rise  to,  and  maintain  that  position,  as  a  Conference,  which 
we  may,  and  should,  it  must  be  done  by  following  their  ex- 
ample. Other  conferences  would  like  to  have  our  patron- 
age and  court  us  for  it,  but  if  we  wish  to  have  their  respect 
instead  of  their  wooing,  we  must  show  ourselves  their  equal. 
There  should  never  be  strife  and  jealousy  between  confer- 
ences, but  rather  noble  emulation  as  to  which  can  excel  in 
everything  that  tends  to  advance  our  common  Methodism, 
and  thereby  the  cause  of  Christ.  With  great  hope  in  your 
success,  I  am,  Yours  affectionately, 

N.  F.  Reid. 
Thomasville,  N.  C,  January  1st,  1869. 

On  the  23d  of  November,  1870,  the  paper  was 
enlarged  and  in  other  respects  very  much  improved 
in  its  general  appearance,  and  also  in  matter.  Its 
name  was  changed  from  Episcojxd  Methodist  to 
Christian  Advocate,  preferring  to  resume  the  great 
family  title.  Finding  the  increased  business  and 
duties  of  the  office  were  becoming  too  heavy  for  me, 
I  succeeded  in  securing  the  services  of  Rev.  H.  T. 
Hudson  as  an  assistant.     His  name  appeared  as  as- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  413 

sociate  editor  in  the  issue  of  June  21st,  1871.  On 
the  17th  of  June,  1872,  he  yielded  to  the  urgent  re- 
quest of  the  Trustees  of  Greensboro  Female  College 
to  accept  the  agency  of  that  cherished  institution, 
and  he  at  once  retired  from  the  position  as  associate 
editor,  leaving  to  the  paper  the  legacy  of  his  best 
wishes  and  benediction,  and  carrying  with  him  the 
highest  esteem  of  the  writer  of  this  sketch  and  the 
patrons  of  the  paper.  By  reason  of  his  retirement 
the  multiplied  duties  of  the  office  again  devolved 
upon  me.  On  the  8th  of  January,  1873,  I  was  for- 
tunate in  securing  the  services  of  R.  T.  Gray,  Esq., 
to  take  charge  of  the  local  and  general  news  depart- 
ment. This  position  he  filled  with  great  credit  to 
himself  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  all.  On  February 
llth,  1871,  lie  severed  his  connection  with  the  pa- 
per to  give  the  whole  of  his  time  to  the  legal  profes- 
sion. Again  I  was  burdened  with  the  entire  edi- 
torial work  of  the  office. 

The  increased  interest  and  constantly  growing 
patronage  of  the  Advocate  brought  with  it  a  corre- 
sponding increase  of  labor  and  responsibility.  I 
must,  of  necessity,  call  some  one  to  my  assistance. 
On  the  fourth  day  of  November,  1871,  at  my  earn- 
est solicitation,  R.  T.  Gray,  Esq.,  consented  to  share 
with  me  the  labor  and  responsibility  in  the  publica- 
tion and  editorial  management  of  the  paper.  He 
purchased  one-half  interest  in  the  entire  office.  In 
doing  this  he  did  not  surrender  the  practice  of  law. 
Since  that  time  he  has  performed  the  duties  of  as- 
sistant editor  while  he  has  given  all  proper  atten- 
tion to  his  legal  profession.  In  both,  his  work  has 
been  signalized  with  success. 


414  The  Centennial  of 

Having  given  the  foregoing  sketch  of  the  Advo- 
cate's history,  I  may  be  allowed  some  latitude  to 
speak  of  the  origin,  power  and  progress  of  the  press. 

To  Germany  belongs  the  parentage  of  the  first 
newspaper  ever  published.  It  was  entitled  the  Ga- 
zette, and  was  published  in  Nuremberg,  Germany. 
In  the  year  1615,  the  first  daily  paper  was  com- 
menced. It  was  called  Die  Frankfurter  Oberpos- 
tamts  Zeihing.  Its  first  editor  was  Egenoff  Eurmel. 
The  first  daily  paper  published  in  England  appeared 
in  the  reign  of  Queen  Anne.  It  was  first  issued 
March,  1702,  and  was  entitled  the  Daily  Courant. 
The  first  paper  published  in  America  was  the  Bos- 
ton News  Letter,  and  was  issued  April  24th,  1704. 
The  second  was  called  the  Boston  Gazette,  first  is- 
sued on  December  21st,  1719,  and  the  third  the 
American  Weekly  Mercury,  printed  in  Philadelphia. 
On  the  21st  day  of  August,  1721,  James  Franklin 
commenced  the  publication  of  the  New  England 
Courant.  Benjamin  Franklin  took  his  first  lesson 
in  type  setting  in  his  brother  James'  office.  The 
first  metal  type  was  cast  in  the  year  1452,  by  Peter 
Schoeffer,  in  Nuremberg,  Bavaria,  a  place  celebra- 
ted for  mechanical  inventions. 

The  first  religious  paper  ever  published,  accord- 
ing to  the  most  authentic  history,  was  issued  in 
Boston,  January,  1816.  Sidney  Edward  Morse  was 
its  editor,  and  Nathaniel  Willis  claims  to  have  been 
its  first  publisher,  and  also  the  first  to  conceive  the 
idea  of  publishing  a  religious  journal.  The  paper 
was  entitled  the  Boston  Recorder.  Its  publication 
has  been  kept  up  until  the  present.     It  now  forms 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  415 

a  part  of  the  Congregationalist  Thus  we  see  that 
the  history  of  religions  journalism  dates  back  only 
sixty  years.  After  Mr.  Morse  left  the  Recorder,  he 
went  to  New  York,  and  he  and  his  elder  brother, 
Richard  C.  Morse,  started  the  Observer  in  1820. 
This  is  said  to  have  been  the  third  religious  paper 
issued  in  the  United  States.  Sidney  E.  Morse  and 
Richard  C.  Morse  were  sons  of  the  Rev.  Jedediah 
Morse,  D.  D.,  of  Charlestown,  Mass.,  the  author  of 
a  very  popular  Atlas.  The  Morse  family,  it  will  be 
seen,  hold  a  conspicuous  place  in  the  annals  of  the 
country,  but  the  world  is  more  largely  indebted  to 
Professor  F.  B.  Morse,  of  telegraphic  fame,  than  to 
either  his  father  or  brother  Sidney.  His  praise  is 
upon  the  lips  of  all.  His  name  will  be  handed  down 
to  the  latest  posterity. 

Zion's  Herald  published  at  Boston,  was  the  first 
Methodist  paper  published  in  this  country.  It  is 
still  in  existence.  Sixty  years  ago  there  was 
only  one  religious  paper,  namely  the  Bodon  Re- 
corder. It  started  with  five  hundred  subscribers. 
Now  there  are  three  hundred  and  fifty  religious 
papers  published  in  the  United  States,  and  more 
than  one  hundred  millions  copies  are  annually 
printed.  These  papers,  generally,  are  conducted 
with  ability.  For  vigor  of  expression  and  independ- 
ent thought,  they  are  equal  to  the  best  journals  of 
the  land.  Some  have  had  a  long  existence,  while 
many,  like  other  classes  of  papers,  have  been  short 
lived.  Dr.  Talmage,  in  a  lecture,  delivered  in  the 
Brooklyn  Tabernacle,  the  subject  of  which  was  the 
"  Lying  Newspaper,"  intended  no  doubt  for  the  seen- 


416  The  Centennial  of 

Jar  press,  humorously  remarked,  that  "  when  a 
paper  becomes  positively  religions,  it  is  almost — 
not  quite — certain  to  become  bankrupt.  So  that 
there  are  to-day,  I  suppose,  not  more  than  five  self- 
sustaining  religious  newspapers  in  this  country." 
There  is  more  truth  in  the  statement  of  Dr.  Talmage 
than,  on  first  thought,  one  might  suppose.  Hence, 
in  order  to  the  success  of  a  religious  journal,  clue 
regard-  must  be  had  to  the  various  topics  in  which 
the  public  are  specially  interested.  Comparatively 
few  are  self-sustaining.  It  is  estimated  that  not 
more  than  thirty  newspapers  have  lived  over  a  ceu- 
tury.  The  great  majority  do  not  have  an  existence 
five  years.  History  shows,  however,  that  in  pro- 
portion to  the  number  started,  the  religious  press  is 
better  sustained  than  the  secular. 

We  now  speak  of  the  power  of  the  press,  as  the 
great  agency  in  diffusing  knowledge.  Whether  this 
knowledge  be  historical,  scientific,  literary,  or  reli- 
gious, it  is  universally  conceded  that  the  press  is 
the  most  rapid  mode  of  its  propagation.  The  grand 
thoughts  and  ideas  of  the  world's  genesis  have  been 
preserved  and  handed  down  to  posterity  through 
this  medium.  The  accumulated  libraries  of  all  na- 
tions are  its  products.  These  libraries  enlighten, 
strengthen  and  nourish  the  human  intellect.  Edu- 
cated mind  rules  the  world.  The  press  is  truly 
the  mother  of  our  periodical  literature,  a  literature 
which  has  gained  marvellous  proportions  in  the 
land,  and  become  the  vital  breath  of  the  expanding 
intellect.  It  is  sending  forth  legions  of  quarterly, 
monthly,  weekly  and  daily  periodicals,  in  ceaseless 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  417 

streams  to  bless  and  enlighten  mankind.  They  are 
scattered  over  the  civilized  world,  and  eagerly  sought 
after  and  read  by  the  millions.  They  are  the  light 
of  matured  minds  reflected  through  the  press, 
which,  in  a  qualified  sense,  is  the  light  of  the  world. 
It  is  the  only  source  through  which  we  may  acquaint 
ourselves  with  the  history  of  past  ages,  and  by 
which  an  account  of  the  present  can  be  preserved 
and  handed  down  to  succeeding  generations. 

"  The  influence,"  says  a  recent  writer,  "  of  the  art 
of  printing  upon  the  condition  of  the  world,  c;m 
scarcely  be  exaggerated  or  exhausted.  Its  influence 
upon  all  arts  and  sciences — upon  every  physical, 
intellectual  and  moral  resource — every  social  and 
religious  interest — upon  intelligence  and  freedom — 
the  refinement  and  happiness  of  mankind — upon  all 
mind  and  matter,  is  simply  incalculable."  Great 
moral  thoughts  and  ideas  have  lifted  society  from 
the  rough  state  of  barbarism  and  placed  it  upon  the 
high  and  beautiful  plain  of  christian  civilization. 
The  art  of  printing,  therefore,  may  justly  be  styled 
a  lever  of  unparalellecl  power.  Its  grand  work  is  to 
multiply,  perpetuate  and  send  forth  thoughts  and 
ideas  for  the  multitude.  Through  this  agency  the 
doctrines  of  the  Cross  are  made  known  unto  the  ut- 
termost parts  of  the  earth. 

The  power  of  the  religious  press  can  never  be  told. 
While  we  would  not  detract  from  the  secular  press 
one  iota,  still  we  claim  superiority  for  the  religious 
press  over  that  of  the  secular.  Their  use,  it  is  true, 
is  essentially  the  same — namely,  the  diffusion  of 
knowledge.  The  marked  difference  is  seen  in  the 
53 


-LIS  The  Centennial  of 

moral  character  of  the  knowledge  propagated.  The 
secular  press  is  the  great  power  that  stirs  the  secular 
world.  The  religious  press  is  the  great  power  that 
reflects  light  upon  the  religious  world.  The  secular 
j>rcss  is  the  agency  employed  to  dispel  ignorance 
and  enlighten  the  masses.  The  religious  press  is 
employed  as  the  great  educator  in  the  usages  and 
progress  of  the  church,  and  in  the  doctrines  of  our 
holy  Christianity.  The  secular  press  distributes 
light  to  build  up  the  nation  in  science,  commerce, 
agriculture  and  to  foster  political  parties.  The  re- 
ligious press  diffuses  the  salt  of  saving  knowledge 
which  preserves  the  nation  from  moral  putrefaction. 
The  power  of  the  press  is  most  strikingly  exempli- 
fied when  wielded  in  behalf  of  Christianity.  It 
could  not  be  otherwise.  Its  invention  seems  to  have 
been  providential.  It  is  a  fact  in  history  that  the 
first  printed  book  was  a  Bible.  In  this  may  we  not 
trace  the  design  of  Providence  in  bringing  this  grand 
instrumentality  into  existence?  It  was  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  christian  civilization  and  knowledge. 
From  the  day  of  its  introduction  until  the  present,  it 
has  been  a  fruitful  agency  in  the  promotion  of 
Christ's  kingdom  among  men.  Through  its  power, 
Bibles,  religious  tracts  and  books  have  been  made 
cheap  and  abundant. 

In  the  middle  ages  there  were  no  books  except  in 
manuscript  form,  and  the  few  that  existed  cost  so 
enormously  that  the  rich  only  could  purchase  them. 
A  manuscript  Bible  then  cost  one  thousand  dollars. 
Now  printed  Bibles,  can  be  bought  for  twenty -five 
cents.     This  scarcity  of  Bibles  in  that  day  caused 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  419 

the  spiritual  darkness  in  which  the  ecclesiastical 
tyranny  of  popery  grew  up.  It  was  the  religious 
press,  in  the  hands  of  Martin  Luther,  that  overthrew 
that  monstrous  system  of  iniquity.  The  great  Ger- 
man Reformation,  humanly  speaking,  could  never 
have  been  accomplished  without  the  aid  of  the  press 
When  Luther  posted  up  on  the  door  of  the  church 
at  Wittemberg,  his  "  ninety-five  theses,"  on  the  pro- 
position which  underlaid  the  Reformation,  they 
could  be  read  by  only  a  few.  But  when  they  were 
published  in  the  papers,  they  soon  spread  over  the 
land  almost  with  the  velocity  of  electricity,  and  be- 
came the  great  means  of  rousing  all  Europe.  The 
press  sounded  the  trumpet  notes  of  the  onward  march 
of  the  Reformation.  By  this,  Luther,  Melancthon, 
and  their  coadjutors  sat  in  their  studies  and  sent 
forth  moral  light,  whose  bright  beams  of  scriptural 
holiness  were  reflected  all  over  Germany. 

The  two  Wesleys,  John  and  Charles,  the  illus- 
trious founders  of  Methodism,  in  the  early  history 
of  the  church,  recognized  the  great  power  of  the 
press  in  promoting  the  cause  of  Christ.  John  Wes- 
ley, before  he  went  to  Georgia,  published  but  one 
ser.non,  and  a  revised  edition  of  Kempee's  "  Christ- 
ian pattern."  Upon  his  return  to  England,  and  af- 
ter his  full  realization  of  salvation  through  Christ, 
the  great  power  of  the  press  presented  itself  to  \n- 
mind  in  a  light  in  which  it  had  never  done  before. 
He  at  once  took  up  this  great  leaver  of  religious 
progress  and  used  it  to  the  full  extent  of  his  ability. 

In  addition  to  his  incessant  traveling;,  preaching 
epistolary  correspondence,  and   the  pastoral  over 


4:20  The  Centennial  of 

sight  of  those  who  had  been  brought  to  Christ  under' 
Ills  ministry,  in  all  parts  of  the  kingdom,  he  pur- 
sued a  course  of  literary  labor  unprecedented  in  his 
day  or  since.  Among  the  first  of  his  publications 
were  three  volumes  of  sermons,  explaining  with  re- 
markable simplicity  and  strength  the  great  doctrines 
upon  which  he  had  so  often  preached.  Followed 
by  these  were  a  great  number  of  tracts  and  pam- 
phlets, original  and  selected.  Some  of  these  were 
extensively  distributed,  gratuitously,  and  all  of 
them  were  admirably  fitted  to  win  souls  to  Jesus 
and  comfort  believers.  It  is  a  notable  fact  that 
great  prejudice  has  obtained  in  the  church  against 
religious  controversy.  Mr.  Wesley,  it  appears,  how- 
ever, left  the  example  for  his  followers.  He  pub- 
lished a  number  of  controversial  works  in  answer  to 
objections  made  by  Dr.  Church,  and  others,  against 
his  general  proceedings  and  theological  views.  He 
also  published  a  strong  defence  against  the  reason- 
ings and  bitter  sarcasms  of  Bishop  Lovington  and 
Warburton.  It  is  due  Mr.  Wesley,  however,  to  say 
that  there  is  no  trace  of  history,  so  far  as  we  know, 
showing  that  he  had  any  special  relish  for  contro- 
versy. What  he  did  in  that  direction  was  in  de- 
fence of  truth  and  justice,  and  in  the  promotion  of 
the  divine  kingdom.  His  great  forte,  as  well  as  de- 
light was  in  the  field  of  practical  divinity.  Desir- 
ing that  the  writings  of  the  elder  divines,  puritans 
and  conformists,  might  be  made  available,  he  pub- 
lished selections  from  them  in  fifty  volumes,  under 
the  title  of  "A  Christian  Library."  They  presented 
a  beautiful  and  pleasing  variety  of  style   and  man- 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  4;2l 

tier,  and  of  biographical,  didactic  and  practical  com- 
position. This  compilation,  after  a  lapse  of  several 
years,  was  succeeded  by  a  monthly  magazine,  con- 
sisting of  articles  both  original  and  selected,  suited 
to  the  youthful  as  well  as  mature  minds.  Desiring 
that  his  followers  should  be  an  intelligent  as  well  as 
a  holy  people,  he  published  concise  grammars  of  the 
English,  French,  Latin  and  Greek  languages,  also 
an  Epitome  of  Horn  an  history.  He  then  pub- 
lished a  history  of  England  and  also  a  history  of  the 
Christian  Church  in  four  volumes  each.  Followed 
by  these  was  the  publication  of  a  compendium  of 
Natural  Philosophy  in  five  volumes.  This  was  done 
in  order  that  persons  of  neglected  education  might 
have  the  means  of  acquiring  useful  knowledge  at 
small  expense  of  time  and  money.  Mr.  Wesley  evi- 
dently anticipated  the  movements  of  more  modern 
times.  He  was  a  lover  of  moral  and  sacred  poetry. 
lie  advised  the  study  of  good  poetiy.and  published 
three  volumes,  selected  from  the  field  of  sacred  po- 
etry adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  a  healthy,  religious 
sentiment.  lie  also  published  portable  editions  of 
Milton  and  Young,  with  notes  explaining  difficult 
passages,  and  bringing  to  the  attention  of  the  reader 
the  finest  and  most  striking  passages  of  the  authors. 
Mr.  Wesley  ever  believed  and  taught  the  great  im- 
portance of  a  careful  and  prayerful  study  of  the 
sacred  scriptures,  as  the  source  and  standard  of  all 
truth.  He  saw  that  a  great  want  with  many  was 
the  proper  study  of  the  Bible,  and  addressed  him- 
self to  the  task  of  publishing  in  a  quarto  volume  ah 
amended  translation  of  the  .New  Testament,  with 


422  The  Centennial  of 

explanatory  notes.  These  were  remarkable  for  their 
spirituality,  terseness,  and  point.  In  three  quarto 
volumes  he  published  a  similar  work  in  the  Old 
Testament.  In  all  the  history  of  the  past  we  no- 
where find  an  author  who  put  greater  stress  upon 
the  power  of  the  press,  and  who  did  more  to  place 
within  the  reach  of  the  common  people  a  healthy, 
evangelical  and  useful  literature.  In  all  his  works 
he  occupied  no  neutral  ground.  Every  thing  he 
wrote  and  published  was  to  contribute  to  the  cause 
of  truth  and  right,  and  add  to  the  elevation  and 
happiness  of  man  wherever  and  whenever  read. 

The  English  Methodist  publishing  Concern  ori- 
ginated with  Mr.  Wesley  There  he  published  and 
sold  his  own  books,  esteeming  it  a  great  privilege 
to  appropriate  all  the  profits  arising  therefrom  to 
the  poor  preachers  and  the  cause  of  Christ.  Not 
only  did  he  cheerfully  give  all  the  profits  of  the  es- 
tablishment to  the  preachers  and  the  Master's  cause, 
but  when  the  hour  of  dissolution  came,  he  left  his 
book  establishment,  and  all  belonging  to  it,  in  sacred 
trust  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  Conference.  Its 
profits  since  then  have  been  carefully  distributed 
to  the  needy  and  aged  ministers,  the  widows  of 
ministers,  and  such  other  benevolent  objects  as  those 
having  charge  of  the  trust  have  seen  proper  to  re- 
cognize. The  headquarters  of  this  publishing  house 
are  No.  2  Castle  street,  City  Road,  and  06  Paternos- 
ter Row,  London.  It  publishes  a  number  of  period- 
icals. Among:  this  number  we  find  the  American 
3fagasine,  commenced  by  Mr.  Wesley  in  the  year 
1777.     It  also  sends  forth  a  great  variety  of  books 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  453 

to  supply  connoctional  demands.  It  is  at  present 
under  the  management  of  Rev.  F.  J.  Jobson,  D.  D., 
book-steward;  Rev.  B.  Frankland,  B.  A.,  and  Rev. 
B.  Gregory,  editor,  subject  to  trie  Conference,  and 
intermediately  to  the  book  committee,  composed  of 
officials  and  superintendents  of  the  London  cir- 
■emits.  They  meet  on  the  first  Monday  of  each 
month  to  consider  its  interests.  Eternity  alone  can 
tell  the  good  which  this  Concern,  established  by  Mr. 
Wesley  himself,  has  done,  and  is  yet  destined  to  ac- 
complish before  the  end  of  time.  Much  more  might 
be  said,  and  many  distinguished  authors,  both  in  the 
ministry  and  laity,  might  be  introduced  in  confirm- 
ation of  the  great  power  of  the  religions  press.  But 
we  leave  the  subject  with  the  reader,  with  this  sim- 
ple statement;  that  history,  experience,  and  ob- 
servation all  unite  in  one  voice  in  the  establishment 
of  the  fact  that  the  religious  press  is  an  indispensable 
clement  in  spreading  scriptural  knowledge  among 
the  masses. 

We  now  notice  the  relation  the  Ralnyh  Christian 
Advocate  bears  to  the  progress  and  success  of  North 
Carolina  Methodism.  It  is  generally  conceded  that 
the  progress  and  success  of  a  church  will  depend 
largely  on  her  facilities  for  diffusing  healthy  and 
quickening  knowledge.  The  adage  that  "  knowl- 
edge is  power  "  is  true.  It  is  also  true  that  igno- 
rance is  weakness.  An  illiterate  church  has  no  ag- 
gressive force.  On  the  other  hand  a  church  of  intel- 
lectual culture  knows  how  to  use  the  best  methods 
of  extending  its  principles  and  usefulness.  This 
proposition  is    clear;    it    needs    no    argument.     It 


424  The  Centennial  of 

must  be  equally  manifest  that  the  Advocate  is  an 
open  and  broad  channel  of  communication  to  our 
people.  It  goes  forth  week  after  week  filled  with 
wholesome,  edifying  and  saving  knowledge.  The 
reading  matter  of  each  issue  is  equal  to  a  good  prac- 
tical sermon.  More  than  ten  thousand  persons  read 
the  Advocate  every  week.  This  is  a  low  estimate. 
No  preacher,  however  learned,  eloquent  and  gifted, 
in  North  Carolina,  has  such  a  wide  Held  of  useful- 
ness. It  is  not  in  their  power  to  sow  the  seeds  of 
truth  in  so  many  minds  and  hearts  in  one  week  as 
is  done  through  this  medium.  No  other  instrument- 
ality pours  so  much  light  and  knowledge  on  the  va- 
ried enterprises  of  North  Carolina  Methodism. 

Admitting  the  truism  that  "  knowledge  is  power,'' 
what  other  force  pushes  the  wheels  of  our  progress 
so  rapidly  as  the  Advocate.,  the  adopted  organ  of  our 
Conference?  The  trumpets  of  a  grand  moral  and 
intellectual  resurrection  are  sounded  in  our  midst, 
but  what  instrumentality  is  awaking  the  sleeping 
multitude  so  effectually  as  this?  It  is  doing  a  great 
work  in  stirring  the  energies  of  the  people  to  give 
of  their  substance  liberally — to  stand  by  our  educa- 
tional institutions — to  defend  our  doctrines — to 
build  up  our  Sunday  schools — to  check  the  demoral- 
izing influences  of  the  times,  and  spread  the  glory  of 
Methodism  from  the  sea-shore  in  the  east  to  the 
mountains  in  the  west.  We  know  and  rejoice  in 
the  fact  that  the  religious  influence  at  home,  in  the 
careful  training  of  the  rising  generation,  is  a  potent 
agency  in  building  up  the  church.  Godly  house- 
holds are  really  the  nurseries  of  the  church.     Here 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  425 

the  Advocate  has  its  place  and  exerts  a  saving  in- 
fluence on  the  families  where  it  is  taken.  It  is  food 
by  which  their  minds  are  nourished — a  telescope 
through  which  they  look  out  upon  the  great  move- 
ments of  Methodism,  and  an  anchor  which  binds 
them  to  the  doctrines,  usages/polity  and  commun- 
ion of  our  church.  Such  a  paper  is  indeed  to  them 
a  garden  of  Methodistic  fragrance — a  stream  spread- 
ing fertility  and  moral  beauty  through  the  domestic 
borders.  It  is  a  lamp  radiating  light  and  cheerful- 
ness in  the  home  circle. 

That  power  which  determines  the  faith  and  sen- 
timents of  fathers,  mothers  and  children,  to  revere 
and  love  the  Methodist  Church,  is  obliged  to  be 
conceded  a  leading  element  in  its  progress  and  suc- 
cess. Our  doctrine  of  free  salvation — our  itinerant 
method  of  spreading  this  free  grace — the  glowing 
experience  of  our  people — the  earnestness  of  our 
ministry — the  preeminent  adaptation  of  our  whole 
ecclesiastical  machinery  to  reach  and  convert  the 
masses,  and  the  marvelous  progress  of  our  church, 
arrest  the  attention  and  win  the  hearts  of  the 
people  as  soon  as  they  get  a  proper  knowledge 
of  them.  The  mere  publication  of  these  things 
adds  much  to  the  development  of  our  resources  as  a 
church  and  Conference.  To  know  Methodism  is  but 
to  love  it.  The  Advocate  publishes  to  the  world  all 
these  characteristics  of  Methodism.  It  is  the  me- 
dium through  which  the  interesting  proceedings  of 
our  District  and  Annual  Conferences,  the  accounts 
of  revivals,  college  commencements,  missionary 
enterprises  and  historical  sketches  of  preachers,  are 
54 


426  The  Centennial  of 

made  known  to  our  people  and  to  the  outside  world. 
It  presents  a  living  picture  of  Methodism,  photo- 
graphed upon  its  consecrated  pages,  to  be  seen  and 
read  of  men.  It  gathers  up  the  current  material 
from  which  a  permanent  future  history  of  North 
Carolina  Methodism  is  to  be  written. 

"With  these  substantial  facts  standing  out  thus 
prominently  before  us,  we  ask,  who  in  the  church 
can  but  recognize  the  importance  of  a  denomina- 
tional organ  %  And  as  the  Methodist  Church  is  the 
leading  denomination  in  the  State  it  is  at  once  ap- 
parent that  she  must,  of  necessity,  have  her  organ. 
Every  cause  needs  the  power  and  influence  of  the 
press  to  advocate  its  claims.  It  is  indispensable  to 
its  progress  and  ultimate  success.  Even  Infidelity 
and  Spiritualism  have  their  organs,  spreading  poison 
through  the  land.  Surely  then,  no  one,  however 
obtuse  he  may  be,  can  fail  to  see  and  recognize  the 
absolute  necessity,  and  unmeasured  utility  of  the 
Advocate,  consecrated,  as  it  is,  to  advance  the  multi- 
plied interests  of  our  beloved  Methodism.  "What  a 
grand  system  of  Christianity  does  Methodism  pre- 
sent to  the  world  !  It  is  founded  in  the  great  doc- 
trines of  the  Bible.  Its  rainbow  of  free  salvation 
spans  the  globe  from  pole  to  pole.  It  is  a  system 
which  presents  the  extent  of  the  atonement  as  a 
shoreless  ocean,  where  all  of  Adam's  descendants 
may  wash  in  its  cleansing  waters.  As  a  church  her 
breathing  prayers  have  rolled  up  to  heaven  as  a 
cloud  of  incense,  bringing  back  showers  of  blessings 
upon  the  nations  of  the  earth.  Her  songs  have 
swept  around  the  world,  carrying  joy  and  unction 


Methodism  in  North  Carolina.  427 

to  desolate  hearts.  Her  progress  and  success  hare 
risen  upon  the  land  as  the  morning  sun,  shedding 
radiance,  beauty  and  fruitfulness  all  along  its  as- 
cending course,  and  is  destined  to  culminate  in 
power,  and  pearly  splendor  upon  earth's  teeming 
millions.  The  chief  work  of  the  Advocate  is  to 
publish  to  the  world  this  grand  and  glorious  system, 
and  to  magnify  its  power  and  set  forth  its  progress 
in  the  conversion  of  the  world.     Sitperpetua  ! 


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